Alex Morgan admits USWNT 'didn't click' in World Cup opener as lessons learned

US Women's National team star Alex Morgan admits things didn't quite click for them in their opening FIFA Women's World Cup match against Vietnam.

The reigning champions began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over their opponents with Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan among the goals. However, it wasn't quite the merciless performance we've come to expect from Vlatko Andonovski's side.

Morgan believes the USWNT still have gears to work through and there's lessons they can take into their remaining games. "I think we saw a lot of glimpses of our potential, but I feel like we weren't always clicking on the field," she said on Tuesday.

"I feel like some of the plays that we had were a little forced or rushed. So I think it's having a little more patience, switching a little bit more, having our movements be a little more synchronized. And so I think we're looking to apply that for this next game and moving forward."

The USA take on the Netherlands on Thursday in what will be a re-run of the 2019 final. The Dutch won their opening game against Portugal 1-0 and will seek revenge this week as they look to top Group E.

Morgan continued: "We watched the Netherlands the other night, and they have a lot of the same players as we played them in the World Cup four years ago. We know that we have to be at our best, and we're doing everything we can at the training field, in the meetings, watching video, doing everything we can.

"But this is going to be a very big matchup."

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The USA have won the last two World Cups in 2015 and 2019 and will be going for a third consecutive title this summer, with their final group game against Portugal on Tuesday, August 1.

However, they are without a handful of key players this year with Mallory Swanson, Catarina Macario and Becky Sauerbrunn all ruled out through injury. With the rest of the world starting to catch up, the competition this summer is arguably as fierce as it has ever been.

"There haven't been many games where teams are able to break through easily against opponents,' Morgan added, reflecting on their win over Vietnam. "So we knew that would be the case with Vietnam, but we were trying to be patient.

"I feel like at times we could have just stood on the ball a little more and kind of been a little more decisive with our play. So I think that's something we could apply to the next game."