Members of the women’s USA football squad have caused controversy after many of them refused to sing the national anthem in today’s game against Sweden.
While five members sang the anthem, six did not, including Crystal Dunn and Naomi Park.
In previous games many members have opted out of singing the anthem too, as a form of protest towards the injustices throughout the country.
While Megan Rapinoe has been on the sub bench for many of the USA’s games so far this World Cup, she is still being targeted as the one behind their decision not to sing.
Despite not being a part of their starting squad against Sweden, Rapinoe, who is now playing in her final World Cup, said in 2019 that she would never sing the national anthem again, she didn’t, however, urge any of her teammates to do the same.
USA crash out of Women’s World Cup after penalties
On top of the criticism, there was more heartbreak for the USA as they eventually crashed out of the World Cup after Sweden beat them 5-4 in penalties.
Lina Hurtig wins it for Sweden, her penalty kick in the shootout just made it over the line, the holders USA are out 5-4 on penalties
📱Recap https://t.co/D7iRaDsbV6 #wwc2023 #rtesoccer #SWEUSA pic.twitter.com/iPCSrYROQu— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 6, 2023
The result was agonisingly close, with Sweden player Lina Hurtig’s winning penalty going millimetres over the line, despite USA keeper Alyssa Naeher getting a glove on the ball.
The reigning champions dominated the game for 120, but ultimately couldn’t capitalise and the toss up of penalties resulted in agony for the USA.
