USA, the reigning Women's World Cup champions who have topped the glory four times, are once again the favorites to win this tournament. For the Vietnamese team, being among the final week for the first time and meeting the USA in their first match, it is undoubtedly a tough match.
In recent years, national teams have risen to prominence and the power gap has gradually narrowed. I believe that many teams are eager to challenge the United States' dominance. Nonetheless, the U.S. still boasts a number of world-class players, such as Alex Morgan in the forward line and Linsley Horan in the midfield, as well as a host of young talent on the rise.
Forward Sophia Smyth, who is about to make her Women's World Cup debut, is a representative of the new generation of American power. The 22-year-old shooter, currently the leading scorer in the US domestic women's league, is in impeccable form. In fact, she is so talented that her speed and shooting skills are second to none.
Loewen, the rising star, hit two solo shots in the most recent US win over Wells, and while she probably won't be starting this game, I expect her to still get quite a few chances to play.
Last Women's World Cup Final Week, the USA thrashed Thailand 13-0 in their opening match, and I expect that Vietnam will not repeat the same mistake. Vietnam's advancement to the final week is a remarkable achievement in itself, but there is a significant gap in both fitness and skill compared to their opponents. Therefore, Vietnam will face a tough battle against a much stronger US team.
