A day after receiving criticism for her remarks on the team’s mentality, former professional soccer player Carli Lloyd elaborated on her displeasure with the United States women’s national team’s performance over Portugal in the World Cup.
As a current pundit for Fox Sports and a former forward for the USWNT, Lloyd noted on August 2 that her statements were made out of admiration for the team’s illustrious history.
“I’d want to acknowledge that last night I was obviously highly critical of the team. I had some time to think about it and to sleep on it. I really care about this squad, and I want everyone to know that,” Lloyd added. “I invested my heart and mind into this team for 17 years, and it was founded on a legacy, a way of thinking, and the DNA of what makes that team so amazing that has only been handed down from generation to generation.
“My comments were reflective of my wanting to see that tradition continue to be passed on from generation to generation, along with that, it requires hard work, and it comes with focus, so my wish is that it continues because that is the thing that makes the U.S. so special as well as so deadly, and that is ultimately what has won us championships,” she added.
The team received criticism earlier this week after Lloyd, a two-time World Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time FIFA Player of the Year, said she “wouldn’t put them in the top 10” after Portugal nearly won the match on August 1 in stoppage time.
Additionally, she expressed her disapproval of players dancing and taking pictures with supporters following the close call.
She remarked, “I have never seen anything like that. “There’s a difference between greeting your family and showing respect to the crowd, but to be dancing and smiling, well, that post was the player of the match. You’re fortunate not to be returning home at this time.
Despite the fact that she wasn’t alone in criticizing the team’s performance, there was a response, especially from USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski.
According to CNN, Andonovski stated during a news conference that “to question the mentality of this squad, to question their willingness to win, and to compete, I think is insane.”
On August 1, former USWNT goalie Ashlyn Harris said on TODAY that the players are aware of the bar they must meet.
“Right now, it’s just not good enough. We are, however, progressing, Harris remarked. “We are unable to activate the panic mode. A World Cup does not follow a script. We keep constructing. We get our bearings. We discover our passion and delight. We play this game for that reason.
On Sunday, August 6, at 5 a.m. ET, the USNWT will take on Sweden in the first round of the knockout stages.