There has been major backlash about the USWNT following the team’s disappointing Portugal draw at the 2023 World Cup.
Former USWNT forward and current Fox analyst Carli Lloyd criticized their attitude in reaction to a second-place group play finish behind the Netherlands.
“There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and being ‘hello’ to your family. But to be dancing? To be smiling? I mean, the player of the match was that post. You are lucky to not be going home right now,” Lloyd said.
24 hours after delivering her harsh comments, she would walk back on what she said and state how much she cares for the team and she wants them to succeed.
Unfortunately for her, USWNT captain Lindsey Horan had something to say back to her about those original comments.
“It’s kind of frustrating for me to hear, especially knowing this team and knowing how much we put into every single game, how much preparation we put into every single game, seeing our trainings, seeing how hard we work,” Horan said.
“Again, it’s noise and, again, it’s an opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion – we know that’s how it goes. But for me, I always want to defend my team and say: you have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes, you have no idea every single training what we’re doing individually, collectively, etcetera.”
Lloyd’s comments also triggered a backlash that included the current USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski, who said, “To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete, I think is insane.”
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There are indeed many reasons to be critical of the USWNT but Lloyd instead took aim at the team’s attitude following the Portugal draw, with the most discussed moment coming when she complained about some players taking pictures with fans and signing autographs after the match.
The USWNT is now scheduled to face Sweden in the first round of the knockout stages on Sunday at 5 a.m. ET.
If the team goes out and loses this game, Lloyd’s sentiment will carry a lot more weight.
