Three keys for a U.S. victory over Vietnam in the Women’s World Cup match on Friday night in New Zealand:
Who starts up front?
Trinity Rodman stood out in the lead-up to the tournament, scoring a pair of goals in a friendly against Wales before the team left for the South Pacific.
But with Alex Morgan nailed on up front, it’s not clear if there will be a place for Rodman in a starting 11 that figures to include Lynn Williams and Sophia Smith up front.
How much will we see Lavelle, Rapinoe and Ertz?
Rose Lavelle (knee), Julie Ertz (pregnancy) and Megan Rapinoe (calf) are all still in the process of building their fitness back up after missing time.
At 38, Rapinoe’s role at this World Cup figures to be coming off the bench and being a leader in the dressing room, but Lavelle and Ertz will be key pieces in the latter stages of the competition.
Will they play against Vietnam, and if so, how will they look?
Can the debutants handle the moment?
Obviously all 14 newcomers won’t get in against Vietnam.
But the likes of forward Sophia Smith, defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Savannah DeMelo are among those who will have a role to play, both in this match and going forward.
