Photo:Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty, ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty, ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
USWNT coachVlatko Andonovskisaid it was “insane” to question the team’s commitment to the tournament, after former soccer starCarli Lloydcalled their play “disappointing.”
Lloyd, 41, said her former team was “uninspiring” and “disappointing” aftertheir 0-0 draw against Portugal.
Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Speaking to reporters after the game, Andonovski, 46, fought for his team,CNNreported.
“To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete, I think is insane,” Andonovksi said.
Andonovski said that while “everyone is entitled to” their opinion, they don’t know the team like he does. “They can say whatever they want, but I just know how this team feels.”
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In a dramatic 91st-minute twist, the USWNT — and reigning World Champions — almost saw themselves knocked out after Portugal substitute Ana Capeta hit the goalpost with the teams tied at 0-0.
The U.S. team now faces Sweden in the round of 16 — the same team thatpushed them out of the Tokyo Olympics 3-0in July 2021.
“I know this team and I know what we’re capable of, and just because it hasn’t clicked every moment on the field and we’re not putting the goals in the back of the net doesn’t mean these aren’t the right players for the job,“striker Alex Morgansaid after the game, reported ESPN. “The confidence is there and now we just have to prove it out on the field.”
“We had our World Cup on the line,”USWNT veteran Megan Rapinoealso shared after the match, perCNN. “Of course, those moments are going to be intense.”
“We’re thrilled to be going on to the next stage,” she added. “That’s exactly what we wanted out of this match ultimately, is to have another one.”
The USWNT will next play in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
source: people.com
