WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Megan Rapinoe scored twice and the United States overcame early defensive shakiness to beat Australia 3-1 Monday night in the Americans’ opener at the Women’s World Cup. ADVERTISING WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Megan Rapinoe scored twice and the
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Megan Rapinoe scored twice and the United States overcame early defensive shakiness to beat Australia 3-1 Monday night in the Americans’ opener at the Women’s World Cup.
Christen Press also scored for the second-ranked U.S., which is seeking its third World Cup title and first since 1999.
Lisa De Vanna had tied the score midway through the first half for Australia, beating controversial American goalkeeper Hope Solo.
“Obviously, we were a bit nervous,” Rapinoe said. “Couldn’t play a lot worse at times.”
U.S. star forward Alex Morgan, sidelined by a bone bruise in her left knee, entered in the 79th minute in her first game action with April 11 with her Portland club.
Rapinoe scored in the 12th minute for the Americans, Press put the U.S. ahead for good in the 61st, and Rapinoe added her 31st international goal in the 78th, the first two-goal game at the World Cup for the Americans since Abby Wambach against Norway in 2007.
The U.S., which won the title in 1991 and ‘99, improved to 5-0-2 in World Cup openers and 23-0-2 in all matches against Australia. The game was televised in prime time on network television back home, where large numbers of fans tuned in last year for the men’s World Cup in Brazil.
“Couldn’t be prouder to have the women of Team #USA representing us in stars, stripes, and shin guards. Good luck,” Democratic president candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted.
In the absence of the 25-year-old Morgan, 35-year-old Abby Wambach and Canada-born Sydney Leroux started up top against the No. 10 Matildas, whose best World Cup finish was sixth in 2007
While the American women have won three straight Olympic gold medals, the third World Cup title has eluded them. They lost the 2011 final to Japan on penalty kicks.
The field has expanded from 16 teams to 24 this year, and the Americans’ next match in Group D will be Friday against Sweden and former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage. They finish group play on June 16 against Nigeria, which tied Sweden 3-3 in the opener of Monday’s doubleheader.
The World Cup is being played as FIFA deals with a scandal which U.S. prosecutors allege involves more then $150 million in bribes. FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who is not at the tournament, announced last week that he plans to resign.
