Most of the members of the US women’s soccer team opted not to sing the national anthem during their 2023 Women’s World Cup opener against Vietnam on Friday.
The decision stood in stark contrast to newcomers Vietnam, who passionately sang their national anthem across New Zealand’s Eden Park.
Most of the team stared stoically while “Star Spangled Banner” played, while only five of the 11 players placed their hands over their hearts.
The other six players opted to keep their hands behind their backs.
Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan were the only players to join in with hundreds of fans in the crowd.
As for the Vietnam women, all 11 players emphatically sang their national anthem,”Tin Quan Ca,” or “Song of a Marching Army.”
The USWNT have had a complicated relationship with the national anthem in recent years.
Megan Rapinoe has knelt during the anthem on several occasions, and even said prior to the 2019 World cup that she would “never put my hand over my heart.”
“I’ll probably never sing the national anthem again,” she added.
USWNT came out on top
Although Vietnam showed plenty of heart prior to the match, they were no match once the whistle was blown, with the USWNT running out 3-0 winners.
Sophia Smith netted a brace, with Lindsey Horan rounding out the scoreline in the 77th minute.
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