Never in modern times has the United States women’s national team entered a World Cup surrounded by so many questions. The scrutiny that follows the team is constant, but endless injuries and constant player turnover had created uncertainty.
United States coach Vlatko Andonovski’s starting lineup on Saturday against Vietnam for the team’s 2023 World Cup opener exemplified as much. In most scenarios, the number of surprises would have been seen as a risk too many to start a major tournament, but the United States won as expected, 3-0 over an overmatched but dogged Vietnam side making their tournament debut.
