USWNT just launched Thailand into the sun: 3 things we learned

The USWNT opened its World Cup title defense with a record 13-0 win against Thailand, but what did we learn?

The USWNT got the World Cup off on the right foot on Tuesday with a rout of Thailand in Reims, France. For sake of comparison, the Americans, in their last World Cup title run in 2015, scored 14 goals during the entire competition.

The dominating win puts the Americans into first place in Group F, tied at three points with Sweden but ahead on goal differential, ahead of Sunday’s second group-stage match against Chile.

Sam Mewis is the midfield star this team needs

U.S. coach Jill Ellis had a good problem to have as the U.S. prepared for the World Cup. The problem was who to start in midfield after Sam Mewis’ form forced the coaching staff to give her a second look.

Well, Lewis — playing in her first major tournament for the USWNT — did start against Thailand and her brace helped lift the Americans to victory. Her domination in midfield, in support of Megan Rapinoe on the left flank gave Ellis’ 4-3-3 speed and pizazz. Mewis’ physical game and strong first touch was key against a relatively weak Thailand defense.

This win certainly cements Mewis in the starting lineup, another offensive weapon along with fellow midfielder Rose Lavelle (who also had a two-goal night), as the Americans prepare to take on stronger opposition later in the tournament.

Alex Morgan is healthy and hungry

Playing hurt at the World Cup four years ago, Ellis had to play her sparingly. At this tournament, Morgan is healthy and Ellis doesn’t need to control her minutes. Morgan’s health was on full display, as was her lethal left foot. The striker pounced on every ball and was a constant threat in the final third, particularly in the box. Her five goals (on six shots) is proof of it.

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Morgan scored the game’s opening goal after just 12 minutes, paving the way for the Americans to never look back. Morgan didn’t just look strong in this lopsided win, she played like someone who can potentially be tournament’s MVP should the Americans go very deep, as many expect, at this World Cup.

The 29-year-old striker had the best performance of the game with her relentless attempts at goal. In a match where the entire U.S. offensive, minus Tobin Heath who was subbed out in the second half, looked very sharp, Morgan proved exceptional.

It’s only Thailand, but still an excellent start

Thailand was, on paper, the weakest opponent the U.S. was likely to face at this tournament. That assessment proved true as the USSWNT jumped out to a 3-0 lead after just 32 minutes, turning the game into a practice session.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, making her World Cup debut, and the U.S. defense went largely untested. It was great to see the defenders push forward on set pieces and generally push up and aid the attack. Even the occasional Crystal Dunn run down the left was good to see.

Expect the backline to see a lot more action in the coming games against teams with more offensive power. The old cliche that you only play the teams in front of you holds true. The USWNT took care of business and were poised throughout, even when the game got progressively chippy. Overall, a dream start for the No. 1-ranked Americans — and a big win that gives them momentum going into the next game.