Sweden vs USA: Why USA W Are Refusing To Sing National Anthem at Women’s World Cup

• The United States of America's female team are not convincing at the 2023 Women's World Cup
• The reigning champions scraped through to the round of 16 after one win and two stale draws
• The USWNT have faced stinging criticism after some players refused to sing the national anthem

The United States of America survived a late scare from Portugal to sneak through to the round of 16 of the ongoing Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The four-time defending champions have been far from impressive at the tournament, with their 'three-peat' hopes suffering a dent after they finished second in Group E.

Coach, Vlatko Andonovski's side fluffed their lines repeatedly against debutants, Vietnam, but still scored three goals in their opening game before fellow 2019 finalists, the Netherlands, frustrated them for a one-all draw.

Against Portugal, Ana Capeta struck the foot of the post in added time. Had the shot gone in, the USA would have gone out in the group stage - a result that would have sent shockwaves across the football world.

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A second-place finish will see them face the Group G winners, who are most likely to be Sweden, in what will be a blockbuster tie very early in the competition.

USA refuses to sing anthem

With the team yet to hit full stride, they have received a barrage of criticism online after it emerged that some players remained mum during the national anthem.

Footage has shown that only a few players sang the tune when it was belted out before their three group stage games, prompting fury from fans on social media.

@__TEAM_USA commented:

"If the US Women's Soccer Team doesn't care about our National Anthem, I'm not going to support them."

@Angie_Anson added:

"This is so unacceptable! Not only disrespectful but setting an example for the young children."

Why are USA's women silent?

Just why are reigning world champions remaining silent? While no player has given an official reason thus far, GiveMeSport opines it might be a message to fight against social inequalities back in their country.

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Megan Rapinoe, one of the figureheads and the leading lights of women's football, has made her name not only from her football talents but her activism as well.

The 38-year-old first brushed shoulders with the powers that be in 2020 when she led the team in a silent protest. The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner is a known activist for equal pay, racial equality, and homosexual rights.

Of the current team Down Under, only captain Lindsay Horan, striker Alex Morgan, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were seen singing the anthem.

Amid the stinging criticism, the team has received support from tennis legend, Martina Navratilova.

"They are defending it by playing their hardest and winning most of the time. Not by singing. Get a grip and start talking about solutions rather than searching for problems where there aren’t any,” the 18-time Grand Slam winner replied to journalist, Megyn Kelly, as reported by The Mirror.

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Andonovski will be hoping the criticism doesn't affect his side as he seeks to get them firing again ahead of the potential showdown against the Swedes on Sunday.

Carli Lloyd blasts USA women

Meanwhile, former captain, Carli Lloyd has slammed the USWNT after her ex-teammates played out to a draw with Portugal in their final Women's World Cup group game.

The Netherlands topped the group after thrashing Vietnam 7-0 in the other game, having also beaten Portugal and picked up a point from the reigning WWC champions.

The USWNT stars were seen dancing and grinning with fans to celebrate their qualification for the next round, but their former national captain was not having any of it.