In Focus: Rising USA star Smith out to earn her stripes

Sophia Smith shone on her World Cup debut. 

The 22-year-old stole the show against Vietnam, playing a part in all three goals as the Stars and Stripes ran out 3-0 winners. 

Next up is a replay of the 2019 final against the Netherlands and Smith will look to continue her red-hot start.

Beyond her years

Smith is used to making her mark quickly, scoring just 17 minutes into her NWSL debut in 2020. 

Later that year, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski hailed the young striker's maturity. 

He said: "It was almost like [Smith] walked onto the field like she had a hundred games under her belt. 

"That showed in her game, that showed in her movement, it showed in the way she composed herself in the game." 

Three years on, the forward has matured even further and looks ready to shoulder more responsibility.

Loving life under pressure

Despite the pressure to perform at a World Cup, Smith insists she is not feeling weighed down — and is actually enjoying herself. 

She said: "Being on this team, it just comes with a big target on your back, it comes with pressure, it comes with a big platform. 

"We all know this is nothing new, even the young players who haven't played in the World Cup. We know that — the veterans [in the squad] make sure we know that. 

"All we hope to do is continue on that legacy, and do things that teams have never done. It's what life has become now, and I think it's fun. I love it."

Debut double

Smith certainly looked to be having fun on her World Cup debut — and she played with a freedom that suggests she is relishing the pressure that comes with her role. 

She opened the scoring after just 14 minutes and made it two deep into first-half stoppage time before assisting Lindsey Horan for the third midway through the second period. 

It was a superb start to the tournament and the forward will look to continue in that vein against a tough opponent in the Netherlands.

Portland Thorns

Despite her lack of experience on the world stage, Smith's strong start should perhaps come as no surprise given her form at club level this season. 

She is the NWSL's leading scorer with 10 goals and also ranks top in the competition for shots (59) and shots on target (38). 

Despite dominating so comprehensively in the shooting department, the Portland Thorns star has also recorded the second-most assists in the division (five), just one behind team-mate Sam Coffey. 

Her rare combination of goalscoring prowess and high-quality service will no doubt serve the USA well as they look to win a record-breaking third consecutive World Cup. 

If Smith's star continues to rise at this rapid rate, she could be an integral part of their success for years to come.