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VIDEO: America Disrespected By Who On World Stage?

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Imagine living in America, reaping all of the benefits and then hating it. Pathetic.

Over the years, the United States women’s national team’s relationship with the national anthem has been complex. Previously, some team members chose to take a knee during the anthem before matches. However, during the opening 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Vietnam, the majority of the USWNT stood, with most remaining silent during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

On the other hand, the entire Vietnamese team passionately sang their national anthem, “Tiến Quân Ca” or “Song of a Marching Army,” displaying unity as they held their right hands over their hearts.

According to Fox, Among the 11 American players on the field at Eden Park in New Zealand, six stood with their hands to their side or behind their backs during the anthem, while the remaining five placed their hands over their hearts. Notably, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, and Lindsey Horan were seen mouthing the words to the anthem.

Vietnam’s presence at the World Cup marked a significant milestone in their women’s soccer history. Since its inception in 1997, the Vietnamese women’s national team has struggled to receive the same resources as their male counterparts. In the past, some players even had to take on additional jobs due to low pay while representing the national team.

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Entering their first World Cup match, the Vietnamese team showed immense pride for their achievement in qualifying, and their passion was evident during the playing of their national anthem.

Once the match began, the USWNT’s talent was evident as the reigning two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champions secured a 3-0 victory against Vietnam, solidifying their position as favorites for this year’s title.

Megan Rapinoe, a prominent U.S. soccer star, became one of the first female athletes to take a knee during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick’s silent protest against police brutality and social injustice in 2016. Kaepernick initiated the peaceful protest during a preseason game on August 14, 2016, and it gained attention after being repeated on August 26.

Rapinoe, who is playing in her final World Cup, announced that she will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season. Throughout her career, she has been outspoken on various social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality, voter rights, and gender and pay equity.

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