With 4 World Cups and 4 Olympic golds, USWNT has created an unmatched legacy in the Women’s soccer scene. Expectations from fans remain consistently high for this esteemed team. As we approach the upcoming Olympics in Paris, discussions regarding the possibility of USWNT securing their fifth gold medal are underway. However, head coach Emma Hayes has sought to temper these expectations and downplay the team’s status as overwhelming favorites.

In light of USWNT’s disappointing performance during the 2023 World Cup, a notion emerged suggesting that ‘the world has caught up to USWNT.’ This sentiment also resonates with Emma Hayes, who expressed her perspective ahead of the team’s matchup against Zambia.

The 47-year-old stated, “I think one of the biggest problems has been that too often we keep talking about what we’re going to do in Paris, or what happens when you get to the semis or the finals. I think it’s disrespectful to the rest of the world to talk like that.”

She firmly believes that winning is no longer a foregone conclusion for USWNT and emphasized: “It isn’t a shoo-in to get somewhere, it has to be earned. There’s no given right when women’s football is developed the way it has across the world.” Additionally, Emma Hayes highlighted her respect for USWNT’s rivals at the Olympics, acknowledging their growing strength and competitiveness on an international scale.

“There are top football nations in this tournament and any given day any opponent can beat anyone,” claimed Emma Hayes.

“I do believe that, I don’t think shocks in the women’s game exist anymore. With formidable teams such as Spain, Brazil, and Canada in contention, undoubtedly, the USWNT faces a challenging path ahead. USWNT legend Julie Foudy, who has voiced concerns regarding the team’s prospects in the forthcoming Olympic Games, echoes this sentiment.

USWNT legend worried about Emma Hayes’ chances at the Paris Olympics

Under Emma Hayes’s leadership, the USWNT boasts an exceptional squad. No doubt about it. In a recent conversation with The Telegraph, Foudy shared her perspective on this team. While she acknowledges their relative youth and lack of experience, she remains optimistic about their potential.

However, her primary concern revolves around the limited time this new squad has had to work under the ex-Chelsea boss.“I just worry they haven’t had quite enough time to get on the same page as Hayes wants to,” Foudy shared. Only time will reveal how successfully they adapt and perform together as a cohesive unit.

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