AUCKLAND, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski was rewarded for his faith in the next generation on Saturday, as young talent shone in a 3-0 win over Vietnam in their Women's World Cup opener at Auckland's Eden Park.
Midfielder Savannah DeMelo, meanwhile, showed poise in her first international start, and 23-year-old defender Naomi Girma "looked like she has three world cups behind her," Andonovski said.
Andonovski, who also put 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson on as a late substitute, said that the playing time will pay major dividends as the tournament progresses.
"I do also believe that going into game two, they will go a little more encouraged, less nerves, no stress," said Andonovski.
They are widely expected to be the toughest team the Americans face in Group E. They meet on Thursday.
Persons:
Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, Sophia Smith, They've, Smith, Lindsey Horan, Savannah DeMelo, Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, Amy Tennery, Robert Birsel
Organizations:
AUCKLAND, Vietnam, Thomson
Locations:
Eden, Netherlands, Auckland