Aye, most of the USWNT kept their tongues still as the national anthem be blarin' afore the World Cup clash with Vietnam.
2023-07-22
Arr matey! Most of them lassies from the U.S. women's crew stood tall like brave buccaneers as the "Star Spangled Banner" echoed through a grand shipyard in New Zealand afore kickin' off a fierce Women's World Cup brawl.
The United States women's national team has had a complicated relationship with the national anthem over the years. In the past, some players have taken a knee during the anthem, but during their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup against Vietnam, the majority of the team stood, although they seemed to remain silent. In contrast, all of the Vietnamese players passionately sang their national anthem and held their right hands over their hearts. Six of the American players stood with their hands to their side or behind their back, while the remaining five placed their hands over their hearts. Some players, such as Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, and Lindsey Horan, were seen mouthing the words to the anthem. The Vietnamese team's appearance in the World Cup marked a new chapter in women's soccer in Vietnam, as they have historically faced challenges in gaining access to resources. However, Team USA ultimately displayed their elite talent and defeated Vietnam 3-0. Megan Rapinoe, a prominent member of the US team, was one of the first female athletes to take a knee during the anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality and social injustice. Rapinoe has been outspoken on various social issues throughout her career. In the weeks leading up to the 2019 Women's World Cup, she stated that she would never put her hand over her heart during the anthem.