Why did USA Women's Soccer team opt out of singing National Anthem during World Cup?

Several players of the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) chose not to sing the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," prior to their games in the Women's World Cup. The decision sparked a controversy and criticism in the home country of the champions.

The majority of USWNT players refrained from singing the national anthem during their Group E matches against Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Their actions are a form of protest against racial injustice and police violence in North America. It is not the first time the USWNT team has taken such action, as some players kneeled during the anthem back in 2016, aiming to raise awareness about pressing social issues.

Megyn Kelly's Harsh Criticism

Journalist Megyn Kelly publicly criticized the USWNT on her SiriusXM podcast, accusing them of lacking patriotism and disrespecting their country. She claimed that the players' decision not to sing the national anthem or place their hands over their hearts was an embarrassment to the nation and the military.

USWNT's World Cup Performance

Despite the controversy surrounding the national anthem issue, the USWNT qualified for the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup after finishing second in Group E. They secured one win against Vietnam and had two draws against the Netherlands and Portugal.

Silent Anthem at the Round of 16

In their round of 16 tie against Sweden, six members of the USWNT chose not to sing along during the national anthem. The decision has been attributed to Megan Rapinoe, a prominent figure in the team's political advocacy and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

A Disappointing Exit

Following a goalless draw against Sweden in the round of 16, the USA faced an early exit from the World Cup after a tense penalty shootout. Sweden emerged victorious, delivering the defending champions their earliest World Cup exit in history.

The Controversial Legacy

The USWNT's decision not to sing the national anthem has been a subject of debate, with contrasting views on patriotism, activism, and the players' right to express themselves. As the team navigates through the World Cup, their actions continue to evoke strong emotions and discussions both within and beyond the soccer world.

FAQs

Where is women's football world cup 2023?
Australia and New Zealand are jointly hosting the tournament after securing victory in the voting process, defeating Colombia. The venues selected for the tournament include iconic locations familiar to rugby fans, such as Eden Park in Auckland, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Who missed the penalty for the USA vs Sweden?
Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith squandered crucial penalties that could have secured a victory for the United States, while Kelley O'Hara's miss on the final shot gave Sweden the opportunity they needed to seize the advantage.