As a member of what you call "The American Right," I am disgusted that the USWNT lost in the round of 16. I am a parent of two high level soccer players. My soon to be 16 year old just signed to play in Germany. He leaves Aug 22. So I know a bit about this subject. I spent money for tickets and swag when the USWNT was on tour 5-6 years ago. They were stellar athletes that bonded and played as a team. Nobody knew their politics, sexuality or what not. Nobody asked them and they didn't preach. It was a great relationship with the the fans of the country they were representing. But then it changed when one player on the team had to separate herself from the team. She had to be the focal point. All eyes had to be on her. If they weren't she would do or say something more egregious than the previous. She represented everything that went against what the USWNT had crafted for their identity. She became polarizing and hence the entire team became polarizing. EVERYONE that has any knowledge of soccer foresaw the failure of this team coming. It was represented in their poor play leading up the World Cup. They needed a Carli Lloyd leading them. The ultimate team first player. Non-polarizing. But too much time and effort was spent on non soccer issues and what suffered? The soccer. What else is suffering? Their pocket books. They missed out on the winners share of the proceeds. There will be no national tour where they are showered with money and glory. But hey, they can still go to the corner, stand on a soap box and talk about how unjust the United States is all the while knowing that in 70+ countries their very existence would land them in jail. In many countries they couldn't even drive to training as it is not allowed. So what I selfishly want from the US soccer program, mens and women's, is to train hard and play hard. If that is too much then step aside, there are thousands of players dreaming of the opportunity that some just shit on. And yes, I railed on the USMNT when they failed to even qualify for the world cup six years ago. Spoiled, entitled brats. Nobody cares about the politics or sexuality of the players. Just do what the taxpayers are paying for, training and competitiveness. Enjoy the fruits of our labor making your existence relevant. Why bite the hand feeding you (the you/your being the athlete)? No need to respond. Just my opinion.
Anyone really saying they didn't play hard? Unlike those who attack them, most of the team previously won a World Cup. Some won two. The winning penalty kick was iffy but they didn't complain or call for violence. They behaved with dignity and grace. They praised Sweden, and each other. They accepted responsibility for their errors. No wonder Trumpers hate them.
All those men now attacking the US team and cheering their loss are the same men who pretended to care about women's sports as a pretext for banning transgender women and girls from participating. They care no more about women's sports than they are for law and order. Or for "America first".
With Sweden knocking Japan out there are no previous World Cup winners left in the tournament, so there will be a brand new winner.
Intense match between Australia and France, end-to-end stuff, chances for both teams. A match worthy of a World Cup final. Spoiler Australia win 0-0 (7-6) in the end after the longest penalty shootout (10 each) in World Cup history (women’s or men’s). This is the first time Australia has reached the semi finals, we will face the winner of England and Colombia. I’m a little worried we may have already played our final, and won’t get up for the next match.
@DUB Spoiler Dang bro I was really pulling for AUS in this. I wanted the hosts to win. Plus I always route for any underdog when my team is out, and they were my choice. I thought they could get it, but knew it would be tough. I’m legitimately bummed man. Was a Great run by the Matilda’s though. I think they showed that they are certainly a team to fear in the Olympics and future WC. Proved they are one of the top nations in women’s soccer. World Cup is rough… People who don’t follow soccer don’t get this. Soccer is a brutal sport. One mistake can and has been the difference to winning and losing. Same can be said for most sports, if you throw an INT in the 4th you can lose the game in football. Turn it over late in the 4th down 2 in the NBA can lose the game. But in soccer it’s different. Sometimes it’s a mistake in the first 5 minutes and then the other team just looks to defend and control possession. It’s honestly tough for me to choose my favorite sport between basketball and soccer.
