Courtesy of Fox Sports
Carli Lloyd wasn’t feeling all the smiling and dancing after the USWNT scored a draw vs. Portugal, narrowly advancing in the World Cup … she called out her former team, saying they’re fortunate they’re not going home!
If you missed it, the U.S. Women’s National Team faced Portugal early Tuesday morning, barely escaping with the 0-0 tie … after Portugal’s Ana Capeta‘s extra time kick nearly netted the game’s first goal. Fortunately for the U.S., the ball deflected off the goalpost.
With the draw, the U.S. advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup … and players were clearly happy, celebrating on the pitch.
The visual didn’t sit right with Lloyd — a 2x Olympic gold medalist and 2x World Cup winner — who took a shot at the team after another uninspiring effort on the field.
“I have never witnessed,” the 41-year-old said on FOX Soccer, “and just seeing these images for the first time at the desk – I have never witnessed something like that.”
Portugal was this close 😬 pic.twitter.com/UMIZnAqyib
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2023
@FOXSoccer
“There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family, but to be dancing, to be smiling.”
Lloyd continued calling out the USWNT, crediting the goalpost with saving the game for ‘Merica.
“I mean the player of that match was the post. You are lucky to not be going home right now.”
USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski responded to Lloyd’s comment, saying it was “insane” to question the mentality of the team.
But, Lloyd’s not the only one who’s questioning the USWNT … and many fans have been none too pleased with the results on the field (3-0 win over Vietnam, draws vs. Netherlands and Portugal).
“People across America stayed up super late or woke up IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT to watch yall play a half-hearted game, at best. You put more effort into your outfits and pre and post-game dance moves and than you did the actual game,” one fan commented.
Onward, together. pic.twitter.com/hWmD3PM7XK
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 1, 2023
@USWNT
“You’re letting down fans that are, and have been, dedicated to this team and it’s honestly so disappointing. Get your focus where it needs to be and actually play like a team and a group we can be proud of, win or lose.”
The USWNT returns to the pitch on August 6 in the round of 16 as they continue their quest for a historic, third straight World Cup victory.
Do that … and we’re sure Carli Lloyd will take the photos for you!
