The United States Women’s National Team narrowly avoided a loss that would have eliminated them from the 2023 FIFA World Cup as Portugal missed what likely would have been a game-winning shot in stoppage time. It was a rather disappointing showing, but that didn’t stop the team from singing and dancing in celebration after the game, much to the displeasure of USWNT legend Carli Lloyd.
Following the match, players led by superstar Megan Rapinoe could be seen smiling, dancing and singing on the field. And that celebration after nearly being eliminated seems to have rubbed Carli Lloyd the wrong way, as she absolutely blasted the team for what she saw.
“Just seeing these images for the first time at the desk, I have never witnessed something like that,” Lloyd said on the broadcast after the match. “There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and being ‘hello’ to your family. But to be dancing? To be smiling? I mean, the player of the match was that post. You are lucky to not be going home right now.”
Fox's Carli Lloyd did not mince words about the USWNT appearing to celebrate their disappointing 0-0 draw with Portugal.
"To be dancing? To be smiling? The player of the match was that post." pic.twitter.com/QPHCIAoZ1e
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 1, 2023
Those are certainly some blunt comments from Lloyd, and they led to plenty of reactions on social media.
https://twitter.com/ManiHousePTY/status/1686313481388097536?s=20
Carli Lloyd is right. We almost went home today if it wasn’t for the post. https://t.co/cq05yi6JMD
— King Stephanos (@KingStevieB93) August 1, 2023
Anyone who pays attention knew this team was washed two years ago in Tokyo. B2B world cups so it’s hard to be disappointed, but I don’t see a bright future for USWNT given the aging players and lack of current young talent. Time for the new top teams to have their moment to shine https://t.co/aPMGj4wpLz
— Francis Bacon (@baconator_fts) August 1, 2023
Not a good look from the #USWNT dancing and laughing after one of their worst performances! @alexmorgan13 https://t.co/AggLKXdosm
— African Fighter, BSN, RN (@Africanfighter) August 1, 2023
Maybe both of them should reassess their expectations, given the current reality? https://t.co/XBZy2G3Cnb
— The Ill Intent (@ZeroRequiem__) August 1, 2023
It's not that serious. But this reaction is not surprising since it's from the person who ran sprints after an Olympic match. https://t.co/aKf0WXuqpP
— Blacklisted Barbie, M.A. (@JayMoneWrites) August 1, 2023
The good news for the USWNT is that they did advance to the knockout round, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
