When news broke that the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) had been knocked out of the World Cup, Netherlands’ forward Lineth Beerensteyn had a blunt reaction: “Yes, bye.” This straightforward response encapsulated the disappointment that many felt as the USWNT’s quest for a historic third consecutive World Cup victory came to an end. The team’s elimination at the hands of Sweden was a devastating blow, with the decisive goal crossing the line by mere millimeters in a penalty shootout. However, despite the USWNT’s impressive track record, Beerensteyn did not express much sympathy for their early exit.
A Month to Forget for the U.S.
The USWNT’s journey in the World Cup was one to forget. Not only did they fail to reach the semifinals for the first time in their history, but they also extended their winless run at the tournament to three games – a record low. The scoring drought that plagued the team continued for a staggering 238 minutes, the longest in their history on this stage. Their struggles began in the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Netherlands, who eventually topped the group and advanced further in the tournament. It was a humbling experience for a team that had entered the competition with high expectations and had been boasting of their potential achievements.
Resentment and Relief
Reflecting on the USWNT’s elimination, Beerensteyn acknowledged the team’s past successes but showed little sympathy for their present situation. She revealed, “From the start of the tournament, they had really big mouths and were already talking about the final.” Beerensteyn believed that actions should speak louder than words, emphasizing the need to prove oneself on the pitch before boasting about future achievements. While she still respected the USWNT, their elimination brought relief to her and highlighted an important lesson for the American players – humility and focus should precede any lofty ambitions.
Looking ahead, it is expected that the USWNT will undergo a period of renewal. Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s future with the team remains uncertain, while veterans like Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have already announced their retirements. The responsibility to lead the team into the future will fall on the shoulders of young players such as Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, and Catarina Macario. Although Macario was unavailable for selection in the World Cup squad due to injury, these emerging talents will play a crucial role in rejuvenating the team. However, there is a sense of urgency to ensure that the rising tide of global women’s football does not overshadow the USWNT’s prominence.
Despite their recent setback, the USWNT still holds a prominent position in women’s football. Magdalena Eriksson, a stalwart of the Swedish team that eliminated the U.S., acknowledged their strength, stating, “They’re definitely the toughest team we’ve faced so far in the tournament.” Eriksson also highlighted the impressive performances of young players like Girma and Smith, noting that the future remains bright for the USWNT. Additionally, injured players like Macario and Mallory Swanson add to the team’s potential, reinforcing their status as a dominant force in women’s football with a bright future ahead.
The USWNT’s early elimination from the World Cup sparked mixed reactions. While some rejoiced in their misfortune, others recognized the team’s past achievements and the potential for a resurgence in the future. As a new era begins for the USWNT, the focus must shift to nurturing and developing a new generation of players who can uphold the team’s legacy. With the right mix of talent, humility, and determination, the USWNT can rise once again to reclaim their position as a global powerhouse in women’s football.
Leave a Reply