Much of the US women’s soccer team remained silent during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner at Friday’s World Cup opener in New Zealand, prompting critics to excoriate players over a perceived lack of patriotism.
Before beating Vietnam, 3-0, to open Group E play, six of 11 starting players opted against placing their hands over their hearts, instead keeping their arms at their sides or behind their backs. Meanwhile, five others did put their hands on their hearts, including three — Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan — who also sang the national anthem lyrics.
Tacky but not as bad as Canada fielding a Guy.
