Time wasting is an art when applied in soccer. Though it is a nightmare for the losing team, for the team ahead, it can do wonders. And when it’s a high-stakes match like the Paris Olympics 2024 semifinal clash, there’s no argument that players won’t be doing it. However, USWNT’s Emily Fox thought otherwise vs Germany and instead seemed to miss this memo, eventually forcing fellow compatriot Midge Purce ‘yelling‘ at Fox.

For those unaware, Fox didn’t seem interested in wasting time while defending USA’s backline as one moment saw her running for a throw-in. This forced Purce to talk about it in the instant postgame reaction on Sam Mewis-hosted ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast. “I need you to waste time. You need to be an a**hole. You need to be a brat about it. Foxy runs over, gets the ball for throw!” exclaimed the Gotham FC star, who wasn’t called up by Hayes for the summer games. 

“The thing is though Foxy knows exactly what to do. I think Emma whispered to her under her breath like, ‘walk,’ because she’s jogging to throw in and then Emma says something, turns around, and walks away, and then Foxy starts walking. I too was yelling at her,” chuckled Purce.

Notably, after a stalemate of 90 minutes, USWNT finally got the lead they wanted against Germany in the extra time thanks to Sophia Smith’s goal. If it was in the hands of Emma Hayes’ side, they would have instantly wanted the match to end before having seen another drama ensued in the scoreline.

However, that’s something beyond their control as Team USA somehow managed to survive the rest of the half-hour playing heavy-hearted. A sigh of relief came when the final whistle blew as the American ladies qualified for the gold medal match. They will now face Brazil, and though the match hasn’t begun, Hayes has already started an off-pitch war.

Emma Hayes sends a bold message to Brazil ahead of USWNT’s Paris Olympic 2024 final

As the final’s atmosphere heats up, Emma Hayes delivered an optimistic message to her upcoming rivals. After a narrow win against Germany, a journalist asked the former Chelsea boss during the post-match press conference if she had a preference for facing Spain or Brazil in the final. Hayes responded, “I don’t care. I want a drink.”

Though this remark came just before the second semifinal between Spain and Brazil, it indicates that Hayes wasn’t concerned with which team might be easier to face. Instead, it underscores her determination to win the gold medal, regardless of the opponent. Notably, Brazil triumphed in a thrilling six-goal match against Spain. Marta and her teammates took the lead within the first six minutes and extended it before halftime.

The score reached 3-0 shortly after the hour mark, but Spain managed to score once, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. However, Brazil added a fourth goal in stoppage time, and Spain’s second goal in the final moments was too late to change the 4-2 outcome. The La Roja ladies will now compete for bronze against Germany.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the final. Let’s see how much time-wasting is done by either side, as it remains to be seen if Midge Purce’s advice to Emily Fox doesn’t backfire on the USWNT in the finals instead.