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via Getty

via Getty

Touted as the favorites to win the World Cup, the USWNT almost got knocked out of the tournament last week after a shambolic display against the Portuguese. The Alex Morgan-led side looked in complete disarray s they were uncharacteristically sloppy.

To make matters worse for them, other teams are also picking up form at the right time. A case in point is the Japanese National Team whose performances have impressed everyone including the legendary Carli Lloyd.

Carli Lloyd is mesmerized by Japan’s performance in the World Cup so far

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The Japanese Women’s team started their World Cup campaign with a resounding 5-0 win over Zambia. The Japanese then won 2-0 against Costa Rica cementing their qualification. However, it was their victory against Spain that made heads swirl. The Japanese utterly dominated Spain as they won 4-0 to top their group.

The Asian side last night faced a fierce challenge in Norway, but the high-flying Japanese eventually brushed them aside 3-1 With a string of positive performances, Japan has emerged as a dark horse to win the tournament. USWNT icon Carli Lloyd also acknowledged this and tweeted out in their support.

“Most complete Japanese side I’ve seen in a while. Clinical and purposeful execution,” tweeted Carli after witnessing Japan’s phenomenal performance over Norway.

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Interestingly, these comments come a few days after Carli’s public criticism of the USWNT and their performance.

Carli Lloyd was angry with the USWNT for their post-match antics

Last week, Portugal’s Women’s team almost pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, almost winning if not for the goalpost. Against a hapless USWNT. the Portuguese women played brilliantly only to be denied by the woodwork in the final moment of the match.

via Imago

After a lucky win, not many would expect the USWNT to be in a celebratory mood. Yet in a surprising turn of events, the USWNT players were dancing, celebrating and signing autographs in high spirits. This mentality irked Carli Lloyd to the extent that she publicly slammed the team.

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“I have never witnessed something like that,” she said. “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. You’re lucky to not be going home right now,” said Carli in frustration.

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Do you agree with Carli’s brutal words for the USWNT? Do you see Japan emerging as a finalist? Let us know your thoughts below!