Abby Wambach, former captain of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), labeled criticism aimed at the team as a “media trap.” Wambach argued that the scrutiny faced by the USWNT, particularly regarding their goal celebrations and dominance in the sport, is indicative of an unfair and gendered double standard. She highlighted the need to focus on the team’s achievements and contributions to women’s soccer, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary criticism. Wambach’s comments aim to shed light on the unjust treatment faced by the USWNT and redirect attention towards their success and impact..
Abby Wambach played in four World Cups. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
In the days since the U.S. Women’s National Team narrowly advanced to the Round of 16, some former USWNT stars have criticized the team’s performance. Former captain Carli Lloyd, now a Fox Sports analyst, has been among the harshest critics.
Abby Wambach, the six-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year has offered a different approach: hope.
“There are two different ways you can consume sport. You can be hypercritical, or you can be hyper-hopeful,” Wambach said in an interview with AllforXI. “I happen to lean into the hopeful side of things. I have no advice, I just want the players to know that we believe in them.”
Ali Krieger, who played with Carli Lloyd on 3 World Cup squads, says Lloyd’s criticism of the #USWNT post-game smiles & selfies wasn’t “necessary.”
“They’re allowed to enjoy the moment.” pic.twitter.com/Vni0g8oTJs
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) August 2, 2023
Wambach played in four World Cups in her international career, helping the USWNT to a championship in the 2015 tournament before retiring. The program won the crown again in 2019, but it has stumbled early this year: Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s team beat Vietnam, 3-0, in its opening contest, but then played Netherlands to a 1-1 draw and Portugal to a 0-0 draw.
Wambach cautioned fans against giving too much weight to commentators’ takes.
“The commentators can have their opinions, but can we just be smart about this,” she explained. “They’re going to say these are their opinions, through and through, but, they are getting paid to say things, and a sure way to continue to get paid to say things is to say the things that gets the most likes, clicks, and engagement. Don’t fall into the media trap of criticism over hope. Hope is the way.”
On Sunday, when the USWNT plays Sweden in the Round of 16, Wambach will be watching, and hoping, for a victory.
“These players are putting more pressure and have higher expectations than anybody else,” Wambach said. “I don’t care how many people in the world there are with their expectations and criticisms, these players have the highest expectations of themselves.”
Former USWNT star Abby Wambach has expressed hope and belief in the current team despite their recent performance in the World Cup. Wambach, who played in four World Cups and won the championship in 2015, advised against giving too much weight to commentators’ criticism. She emphasized the players’ high expectations of themselves and encouraged fans to focus on hope rather than criticism. Wambach will be watching and hoping for a victory as the USWNT faces Sweden in the Round of 16.
Hashtags: #Abby #Wambach #calls #criticism #USWNT #media #trap
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