Last week, the United States Women’s National Team began their run through the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 win over Vietnam, but they drew a lot of criticism for what happened before the game, when the majority of the team chose not to sing the national anthem during the pregame ceremonies. Despite the backlash, those same players were once again silent during the second game of the tournament.
When the Star Spangled Banner played ahead of Wednesday night’s match against the Netherlands, most players in the starting lineup once again chose to remain silent and not put their hands over their hearts during the song.
“Six players, including Andi Sullivan, Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Trinity Rodman and Crystal Dunn, had chosen not to sing the anthem in the opening game against Vietnam and refused to do so again against the Dutch,” Yahoo Sports wrote.
Naturally, this decision led to all sort of conversation on social media as several people gave their thoughts on the matter.
I want to root for them but they make it so difficult #USWMT #USA https://t.co/1k4C1tRXf5
— Joe D (@Joey_Drago_) July 27, 2023
How did this become a thing? They were standing, mostly with hands over their hearts, a few singing along. I watch tons of sports and since when has not singing along been some evidence of protest? Stop being manipulated by Megyn and others pining to find some outrage grift. https://t.co/gdZdOO8Czy
— Astrid Spain 🇺🇸🇮🇱🇺🇦 (@astridspain1) July 27, 2023
“The Dutch team, by contrast, sang along with “Wilhelmus,” the national anthem of the Netherlands.” https://t.co/eeQXkU7Yzw
— Robert Ess (@RobertEss4) July 27, 2023
This is stupid and all the “verified” blue check responses are just as stupid https://t.co/c9u6eybvQw
— B² (@ShineItDeep) July 27, 2023
Embarrassing. https://t.co/zXxa42rGzr
— Sammy LiSanti (@lisantiphotos) July 27, 2023
Several players did, however, choose to sing the national anthem including Alex Morgan, Julie Ertz and Lindsey Horan. But it’s become clear that it’s up to the individual player whether or not they decide to sing the national anthem.
