Kansas City: An Alex Morgan-inspired United States showed why they sit atop the FIFA World Rankings, defeating AFC Women's Asian Cup winners Japan 4-2 win in their opening Tournament of Nations tie at a packed Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City on Thursday.
Morgan, 29, starred for the Americans, scoring her fourth international hat-trick to take her tally for the US senior national team to 89 goals in 143 matches, as Asako Takakura's side suffered their heaviest defeat since February's 6-2 defeat to the Netherlands.
A sharp move featuring Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe set up Morgan for the first goal in the 18th minute, but Japan were level through Mia Tanaka just a minute later, as the in-form forward delightfully chipped US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher from 20 yards.
But the sides remained on level terms for just seven more minutes as Morgan headed home her second in the 26th minute before the reigning CONCACAF Player of the Year completed her treble 10 minutes into the second half when some exceptional play down the right hand side by Tobin Heath.
The American lead was extended further in the 65th minute when a devastating passing move was paired with an equally impressive right foot finish by Rapinoe to make it 4-1, as Jill Ellis' side clicked into top gear.
Moeno Sakaguchi gave Japanese fans something to cheer for when she scored her first international goal with an expertly placed effort with a quarter of an hour remaining, but the best team in the world ultimately proved too strong for the Asian champions.
Japan will look to bounce back against Brazil, while the United States and Australia are set for a mouth-watering top of the table clash with both ties on Sunday.
The Tournament of Nations is part of the four teams' preparations for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France.
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com