All it takes is one bad move to ruin a good reputation—a saying that Emma Hayes must be relating at the moment. It’s commendable that she led USWNT to a perfect Paris Olympics group stage. However, her call to field Sam Coffey in today’s final Group B match against Australia backfired on the English tactician as the star midfielder will miss the next clash over getting a yellow card. This has left American fans infuriated as they tear apart Hayes for her roster selection.

Coffey played today at risk of getting suspended. She had received a booking in the previous fixture vs Germany during the 22nd minute. Now, getting even another second consecutive yellow would have meant the Portland Thorns star would miss the next fixture. Regardless of the risk, Hayes decided to play the 25-year-old against Matildas today. Unfortunately, the risk became a reality as she got booked for her challenge on Australia’s Katrina Gorry within 4 minutes into the game.

While she remained present throughout the 90 minutes, it eventually cost USWNT for the next knockout stage clash. Win, lose, or draw, Hayes was aware that Team USA had already progressed through the round of eight with their two remarkable victories over Zambia and Germany. Yet, the former Chelsea boss started Coffey, where she instead could have given a chance to other midfielders on the bench.

One can say that Australia gave tough competition to USWNT. Trinity Rodman opened the account just before the end of the first half with Sophia Smith helping with the assist part. The 77th minute saw Korbin Albert make it two. Yet, the Matildas denied the 4x World Champion with a clean sheet as Alanna Kennedy scored one for the Aussies, only that it was too late to even think of a comeback.

Regardless, for now, Hayes has become a subject of negative criticism on the internet over her decision to choose Coffey.

Fans tear down Emma Hayes over lining up Sam Coffey vs Australia

While some are celebrating USWNT’s remarkable win, others are pissed at Emma Hayes for deploying Sam Coffey in today’s game. Ardent supporters are expressing their anger on X, formerly Twitter, and slamming the former Chelsea boss for not giving Coffey a rest instead.

Emma Hayes is truly a one-of-a-kind manager. However, this fan can’t believe the fact that the English manager decided to line up a strong side, instead of giving a chance to players on the bench.

It would be interesting to see what explanation Hayes offers for her decision to start a decisive XI against Australia. Was the new USWNT boss so focused on winning all three games that she got blinded by the fact that her decision made Coffey a major absentee in the next fixture?

Even though it is mostly the trio of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman on the attacking front and scoring goals, it’s not possible with other players, especially Samantha Coffey. The 25-year-old is a silent worker for the WNT, helping her side dominate the center half of the pitch, a sight that won’t be visible in the quarters.

It’s not like Emma Hayes plans to stick with a single starting XI and hardly give chances to other players as substitutes. Rotation remains an integral part of such tournaments and the 47-year-old failed to apply it in today’s game.

Another interesting thing that a few fans are claiming is that it was hardly a yellow card. Many are question how referee, inside 5 minutes didn’t even gave a warning to Coffey and directly pulled the first card of the match. Deserving or not, criticism remains on Hayes.

Be that as it may, Sam Coffey’s absence certainly comes down as a huge blow for USWNT. It would be interesting to see who would replace the star midfielder in the quarter-final clash against Japan.