Amid National Anthem Row, US Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Asks USWNT to ‘Proudly Defend’ the American Dream at World Cup

FIFA Women’s World Cup is reaching its crucial stage. The teams are busy securing their places for the knockouts. The two-time defending champions, USWNT, is in the running for the round of 16 and needs a victory in their last group game after a disappointing draw against the Netherlands.

The USWNT were touted to be the center of attraction for the competition. Interestingly, their one act has caught the eye of several soccer fans, including American politicians. And now Nikki Haley, who will run for POTUS, has weighed in over the stir caused by the US women’s players.

Nikki Haley speaks out on USWNT players’ silence

The American team started their campaign against the World Cup debutants Vietnam. They bagged three points easily with a 3-0 win. USWNT had to sweat out in their second game against the last edition’s finalist, the Netherlands. They scrapped a draw against the Dutch side. Apart from USWNT’s performances, the silence of many players sparked controversy.

Most players opted to remain silent when the American national anthem was played before the games. Reportedly, only three players from the starting lineup responded to the Star-Spangled Banner. USWNT’s Naomi Girma said, “When we’re out there, we’re preparing for the game, that [the national anthem] isn’t the focus. Ultimately every player has the choice, that’s all I have to say,” during a post-game press conference.

Nikki Haley, running for POTUS and former South Carolina Governor, has come out to speak on the issue. She tweeted, “The US women’s soccer team is living the American Dream. They were born in the freest, fairest country in the world that has rewarded their hard work. They should remember that blessing & the men & women (like my husband) proudly defending it next time the national anthem plays.”

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It will be intriguing to see how the players respond in their crucial do-or-die encounter against one of the eight debutants, Portugal.

The qualification scenarios for US women’s team

Group E is in an interesting position with USWNT, the Netherlands, and Portugal all in contention to progress into the knockouts. The American team tops the group with a superior goal difference compared to the Dutch. They will play Portugal in a final group game, with a win ensuring qualification.

Meanwhile, a draw is also sufficient for the defending champions to progress. If Portugal qualify with a win, the USWNT will have to depend on the Netherlands versus Vietnam result. A draw or win for the Dutch side will knock out the US. 

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Can USWNT make it to the knockouts by beating Portugal?