US women spark controversy AGAIN as six players remain SILENT during Star Spangled Banner for final 16 World Cup clash against Sweden

Members of the United States Women’s Soccer Team kept silent once again as the Star Spangled Banner played at AAMI Park ahead of their World Cup game against Sweden.

In previous group matches of the Women’s World Cup against Vietnam, the Netherlands and Portugal, the majority of Vlatko Andonovski’s team chose not to sing along with the national anthem.

Ahead of their goalless draw with Portugal, the majority of the side stood motionless during the playing of the national anthem, with only captain Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher and Julie Ertz putting their hands on their hearts.

The decision drew criticism from American media personality Megyn Kelly, who blamed Megan Rapinoe for the decision, despite the 38-year-old not being included in the starting eleven for the clash.

“Megan Rapinoe, she is the leader of it all… She is not a starter. So that’s why she’s not on camera when they sing the national anthem, but she’s behind this,” Kelly said while hosting the national anthem. Megyn Kelly Show.

“She has poisoned the whole team against the country they play for. I don’t know about you, but I don’t support them. I’m not with them. I hope they lose… It’s embarrassing. These girls are embarrassing. They should be ashamed.’

Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Rapinoe has long been known for her political advocacy

The USWNT took on Sweden to recover from a disappointing group stage performance by the four-time World Cup winners.

Victory over Vietnam in their tournament opener was followed by back-to-back draws with the Netherlands and Portugal, narrowly advancing to the knockout stages.