Successful debuts for USA. In their opening game of the first edition of the Sud Ladies Cup, the Americans beat Germany after a close game (3-0).
They were not worried. Facing one of the most competitive nation of women football, they took their favourite status on. By punishing Germany 3-0, the United States perfectly started their competition. Stronger than their opponent of the day, the Americans were not often troubled by the Germans that were not very inspired, particularly during the first half. A first opposition that the Czech Jitka Klimkova's squad perfectly managed.
First by scoring an early opener. Thanks to Kim, on a ideal pass from Sophia Smith after a solo run in the German defense, after only three minutes, USA quickly started to control the game (1-0). To never let it go. After a shot that hit the post from Binto (12th minute), Smith was here this time to conclude with a shot that beat the keeper Vanessa Fischer (2-0, 23th minute). Not far to score another goal twice (25th and 52th minute), the American striker illuminated the match with her talent and her speed.
If the defender Hiatt made the Team USA shiver after she deflected a German cross on her own goal’s post (60th minute), the three-times world champion did not suffer. The thrid goal of Brianna Pinto with a beautiful volley (3-0, 76th minute), ended the game for a totally deserved victory. A win, three goals scored and a well achieved collective performance : USA already position for the final victory of this first Sud Ladies Cup.
Mathieu Lauricella
Crédits photo : Hélène Dos Santos
Germany - United States : 0-3
Sud Ladies Cup – Matchday 1
Stade d’Honneur, Salon-de-Provence
Goals : Kim (3’), Smith (23’), Pinto (76’) pour les Etats-Unis
Germany : Fischer - Linder, Kleinherne, Schöppl (Pawollek, 28’), Orschmann K. (Bühl, 46’) - Minge, Lange (Orschmann D., 46’), Feldkamp (c) (Memeti, 80’) - Kögel, Freigang, Sanders
Coach : Maren Meinert
USA : Ivory - Pickett (c), Mc Keown (Rodriguez, 60’), Hiatt, Girma – Villacorta (Howell, 46’), De Melo, Pinto – Torres (Sanchez, 59’), Kim (Spaanstra, 81’), Smith
Coach : Jitka Kilmkova
Referees : Mrs Beyer (FRA) assisted by Mrs Bartnik (FRA) and Mrs Di Benedetto (FRA)