Carli Lloyd rips into USWNT after World Cup draw with Portugal, calling team arrogant, lackluster

Calling the United States women’s national team arrogant and lackluster, Carli Lloyd went after the USWNT for its draw Tuesday against Portugal at the FIFA World Cup.

“It started to shift post-2020, there’s just a lot of off-the-field things that are happening,” Lloyd, a former USWNT star, said. “You never want to take anything for granted, you put on that jersey and you want to give it everything you have, for the people that came before you and the people that come after you. And I’m just not seeing that passion, I’m just seeing a very lackluster, uninspiring (team) taking it for granted. Winning and training and doing all that you can to be the best individual player you can be is just not happening.”

The two-time reigning champion United States came an inch short of Women’s World Cup elimination, but Portugal’s late near-miss helped the Americans avoid the biggest upset in tournament history. The Americans slipped through to the knockout round Tuesday despite a listless, uninspiring 0-0 draw.

“I made some comments when I retired in 2021, but I felt there was shift within this team, within the federation, within the culture, the mentality, the importance of in meaning of winning has changed, what comes from winning has become more important, and you can never take any situation for granted,” she said.

“Every time you step out on that pitch, it’s not a guarantee you’re gonna win. It’s not a guarantee you’re gonna win a World Cup. And today was just simply uninspiring, disappointing. They don’t look fit. They’re playing as individuals. And the tactics are just too predictable and really just uninspiring.”

The U.S. won only one game in group play for the first time in tournament history, and scored just four goals over three games. In a hold-your-breath moment, the Americans came an inch away from elimination when Ana Capeta nearly scored in stoppage for Portugal. Her shot hit the left post and the Americans preserved the draw. The tie was just enough to ensure the Americans advanced to the knockout round.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.