New Zealand's national stadium, Eden Park will host the USA vs Vietnam Women match in the Women's World Cup 2023 on Saturday. USA will be looking to retain the silverware, while Vietnam will aim to get something as they make their first appearance at a men's or Women's World Cup. USA will hope to continue their impressive record at the World Cup, having lifted the trophy on four occasions, including the last two tournaments in Canada and France. They have reached the semi-final stage at all previous eight editions of the World Cup, and they will expect to go deep into the competition once again. On the other hand, Vietnam are preparing to make their first World Cup appearance after securing qualification after a playoff round at the 2022 Asia Cup.
USA skipper Becky Sauerbrunn will miss the World Cup finals due to a foot injury. Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan will split the captaincy duties and lead the team. USA will start their campaign without Abby Dahlkemper, Sam Mewis, Christen Press, Catarina Macario, and Mallory Swanson. They have all been ruled out with injury issues. That could be a huge problem for the reigning champions. Megan Rapinoe will retire at the end of the season so she would like to end her career on a high note. Vlatko Andonovski will provide her with a valuable attacking option off the bench as a super sub.
As for Vietnam, they are set to operate with a back five. It could feature Tran Ti Thu Thao, Luong Thi Thu Thuong, Le Thi Diem My, Tran Thi Thu, and Hoang Thi Loan. Tran Thi Kim Thanh will more likely start in goal. The team will be looking toward their all-time leading scorer Huynh Nhu to provide the goal threat.
USA Women's possible starting lineup:
Naeher; Fox, Cook, Girma, Dunn; Sanchez, Sullivan, Horan; Smith, Thompson, Morgan
Vietnam Women's possible starting lineup:
Kim Thanh; Thu Thao, Thu Thuong, Diem My, Thi Thu, Thi Loan; Bich Thuy, Thanh Nha, Thi Van, Nhu; Hai Yen
Naeher; Fox, Thi Loan, Cook; Horan, Thi Van, Bich Thuy, Dunn; Morgan, Smith, Nhu
