U.S. Women's National Team Knocked Out At World Cup. ...They'll Be Back...

 

By EDUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ

McALLEN, Texas | Winners of four out of the first eight World Cups. That's how dominant the US Womens National Team had been in international soccer. Until today, Sunday. They fought to the wire, their match with Sweden in a tie at the end of regulation play. It was the Extra Time penalty kicks that failed the Americans, as Sweden won that shootout.

The Americans were going home in an unfamiliar manner - as losers.

Those who follow the sport know that much had been said and written about the lackluster play of the Americans, with sportscasters pretty much saying things would end badly this time around. It did.

The United States had won the last two Women's World Cups and four of the eight tournaments held before this year. They had never gone out before the semi-final stage. This time they have been sent packing in the last 16 having won just one game in Australia and New Zealand, an unconvincing 3-0 defeat of Vietnam.

Fans of the sport could see unfamiliar play on the part of the USNWT from the very beginning, as things seem to not be as sharp as in earlier tourneys. The two-time defending champs had trouble scoring. Action that had seemed choreographed and successful had yielded to visible insecurity on the pitch (the field of play). Star Megan Rapinoe missed the Extra Time shot at goal that sealed the victory for Sweden. How many times in previous play had she been the hero? Too many to count.

But that was earlier. This tournament was a new day in the sport we see every four years (the calendar year after the men's World Cup, btw). Criticism of the readiness could be found in the days and weeks before the World Cup began. The U.S. wasn't ready. The squad was not clicking. Something was up. News reports covered it all.

Then, in the midst of the World Cup, came the silliness.

The American team was not singing the National Anthem at the games. A few players could be seen lip-synching, but not all. Observers noted other nation's squads were singing loud and proud, the Americans not even putting their hands to their hearts.

That had nothing to do with the games at hand, with the play.

But it was yet some more negativity thrown at a national team that had been criticized for something or another all year long.

They go there to play, not sing.

The USNWT will be back..

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