01 August 2023 , 15:58
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Former USWNT stalwart Carli Lloyd has criticised her former teammates for dancing after they guaranteed their passage to the World Cup knockouts by a whisker.
Coming into the tournament as favourites to complete what has been dubbed a "Threepeat" of consecutive titles, the US have flattered to deceive so far in Australia. A 0-0 stalemate against Portugal did book their passage into the next stage of the competition but the Stars and Stripes came perilously close to an early exit.
Finishing their first three games in the tournament with five points, their performance in the group stage is the worst in their history. Coming into the final game in Group E, they required at least one point to send their opponents out and just about got over the line, having the woodwork to thank late on in proceedings.
With the US heading for the point they needed to cement their place in the knockouts, a 91st-minute effort from Portugal forward Ana Capeta beat Alyssa Naeher. However, the World Cup holders' head coach Vlatko Andonovski was able to breathe an almighty sigh of relief as the Sporting Lisbon star's strike hit the right-hand post.
Given the dramatic last-gasp nature of the USWNT's great escape, the sounding of the final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations as the four-time victors thanked their lucky stars. The team's long-serving former goalscoring hero Lloyd was left unimpressed with the team's performance and their antics following the game, however.
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Household names Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan led the scenes following the final whistle, with Crystal Dunn joining in as they were seen dancing. Youngster Trinity Rodman was also seen taking selfies with the supporters gathered in the stands.
The 41-year-old, who was part of the squads for her country's last two World Cup triumphs, clearly felt like the team's uncomfortable brush with a potential ignominious exit could not be overlooked. Speaking on Fox Sports, Lloyd said: "I have never witnessed something like that.
Trinity Rodman of the United States takes selfies with fans after the FIFA Women's World Cup Group E match between Portugal and USA at Eden Park (Photo by Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images) (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images)"There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family. But to be dancing, to be smiling. I mean, the player of the match was that post.
Adding that she felt the team's performances at the tournament lacked the passion shown by previous incatnations, she fired a barbed criticism the way of the players involved, saying: "You were lucky to not be going home right now. It started to shift post 2020 and there are a lot of off-the-field things that are happening. You never want to take anything for granted.
"You put on that jersey and you want to give it everything you have for the people who came before you, the people who are going to come after you and I am just not seeing that passion. I am seeing a very lacklustre, uninspiring, taking it for granted. Winning and training and doing all that you can to be the best possible individual player is not happening."
The USWNT finished second in Group E behind Netherlands - with whom they played out a 1-1 draw in their previous outing. With games still to play in Group G, it remains to be seen who they will face in the Round of 16 but it is likely to be Sweden.