The U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team has made headlines again, and not for their gamesmanship.
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
In the Wednesday game against Holland, only six members of the US team even bothered to place their hands over their hearts during the song. Out of those six, only three of them actually sang along, though it seemed that these women merely mumbled their way through the anthem.
WATCH:
IT NEVER GETS OLD HEARING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP ??? pic.twitter.com/1WjdUfxJcQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 27, 2023
Some squad members, it seemed, even turned away from the flag, though a few team members — precious few — were clearly moved by hearing the anthem.
“Compare and contrast this behavior with the opposing Dutch team’s rousing rendition of their own anthem, complete with arms slung over one another in a show of camaraderie,” BizPac Review noted.
Cue the online criticism.
Except not everyone respecting the national anthem!
— Steven VB ???????? (@vbislands) July 27, 2023
Fire the ones with NO heart!
— CarlW (@CarlW1979) July 27, 2023
I’m rooting them to lose,
— frank (@whiteboyknows2) July 27, 2023
Why would you come to play for a country that you clearly do not care for , yet they pay for you to be on world stage? Either be proud you have the freedom to play wearing an USA uniform Otherwise find another country to call home ! Dutch played dirty but they are proud !
— Charlene Hobbs (@CharleneHobbs12) July 27, 2023
Here- the words ladies- your homework is to practice singing it. At least this game there were more players with their hands over their hearts. Progress! I blame the the failed education system for not adequately teaching history and civics and a blue hair bad apple on the team. pic.twitter.com/b30rkcGWyw
— Johnny B (@MrB_good_2_U) July 27, 2023
I’m team USA all the way but I wouldn’t mind seeing this team served some humble pie. The most listless and apathetic team I’ve seen represent the US.
— RO (@russ_olsen) July 27, 2023
I’m team USA all the way but I wouldn’t mind seeing this team served some humble pie. The most listless and apathetic team I’ve seen represent the US.
— RO (@russ_olsen) July 27, 2023
Earlier this month, American Wire reported that the USWNT remained mostly silent during the national anthem, and their behavior was overshadowed by their Vietnamese counterparts, who showed much more respect for their country by loudly singing their anthem.
The behavior of the American squad sparked a backlash as theoir actions were perceived as disrespectful towards the country they have the privilege to represent.