Women's World Cup Thread

[Moranis]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

Sure it is. That is in fact the definition.  It is one thing if you don't watch soccer and thus don't watch, follow, etc , but to root against the Americans or root for another team is absolutley un-American.

That presumes that we agree that not rooting for the USWNT is 'not characteristic of or consistent with American customs, principles, or traditions' - which also presumes that we can agree on what those customs, principles, and traditions are in the first place.

I put it to you that as the US has no football tradition of note, as such, but does have a deep-rooted obsession with hyphenated ethnic heritage, perhaps in many ways it's more 'American' to root for Ireland, Sweden, England, the various African nations, and any other country with a large diaspora. Especially since the USWNT lost, and there's no stronger American custom, principle, or tradition than wanting to back the winner

well sure, now that the US lost, Americans can root for whoever they want and not be un-American.

I'd say rooting for Sweden makes the most sense. If they win, at least you lost to the champion.

[Donoghus]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

Haha I was trying to make this better Mo!

Roy has the power to censor us when we disagree. I like this site, don't want to be banned from it, and want to read about sports, specifically the Celtics.

Roy, please don't ban me. I think you love the country more than anyone!

Roy nor gouki or I or anyone else is censoring people.   We moderate.  We've had posting guidelines on here for over 15 years and its worked well.  Especially given where a lot of message boards were in the 2000s, we stood out.    We have a Current Events forum that is governed even more stringently.  We know how passionate people can get about some CE topics and we've always found that people tend to openly cross the line there more than other places.   If you're getting tossed, its for good reason.  You almost certainly brought it upon yourself.

[Moranis]

Quarterfinals are set:

Spain vs. Netherlands

Japan vs. Sweden

Australia vs. France

Colombia vs. England

All matches are a toss up. No Lauren James and evens the playing field for the Colombia, imo - and Walsh still doesn't look right. They probably shouldn't have played her 120 minutes fresh off a knee injury. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite from this bunch, I'd probably go with Australia. They've looked good without Sam, so getting her back is a game changer. But it could really be any of these teams.

Vegas odds:
England +240
Spain +350
Japan +500
France +500
Australia +800
Sweden +900
Netherlands +1200
Colombia +2800

Much like Roy, I'm rooting for Japan. Let's go なでしこジャパン

Japan is still the best bet, though not as good as when they were +900 before last round.

[Amonkey]

Quarterfinals are set:

Spain vs. Netherlands

Japan vs. Sweden

Australia vs. France

Colombia vs. England

All matches are a toss up. No Lauren James and evens the playing field for the Colombia, imo - and Walsh still doesn't look right. They probably shouldn't have played her 120 minutes fresh off a knee injury. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite from this bunch, I'd probably go with Australia. They've looked good without Sam, so getting her back is a game changer. But it could really be any of these teams.

Vegas odds:
England +240
Spain +350
Japan +500
France +500
Australia +800
Sweden +900
Netherlands +1200
Colombia +2800

Much like Roy, I'm rooting for Japan. Let's go なでしこジャパン

Japan is still the best bet, though not as good as when they were +900 before last round.

I had money on the US and Brazil, both out. Since part of the family is French I may root for them but I think Colombia can be a true dark horse. Young inexperienced team but they have talent. England didn’t look too comfortable against Nigeria.

[ozgod]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

[ozgod]

Quarterfinals are set:

Spain vs. Netherlands

Japan vs. Sweden

Australia vs. France

Colombia vs. England

All matches are a toss up. No Lauren James and evens the playing field for the Colombia, imo - and Walsh still doesn't look right. They probably shouldn't have played her 120 minutes fresh off a knee injury. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite from this bunch, I'd probably go with Australia. They've looked good without Sam, so getting her back is a game changer. But it could really be any of these teams.

Vegas odds:
England +240
Spain +350
Japan +500
France +500
Australia +800
Sweden +900
Netherlands +1200
Colombia +2800

Much like Roy, I'm rooting for Japan. Let's go なでしこジャパン

Japan is still the best bet, though not as good as when they were +900 before last round.

My father is part Spanish so I have a soft spot for them in all WCs once the US are out, but I will be cheering for a Japan - Australia final. 

[Moranis]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason). 

[gouki88]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

Nonsense! Americans have been doing this (as have everyone) for decades. Tommie Smith and John Carlos ring a bell?

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

Funny thing about treason ... it's how our country came to be.

[tazzmaniac]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

Funny thing about treason ... it's how our country came to be.

It is only treason if you are on the losing side. 

[Roy H.]

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

The list of the most un-American people of all-time:

1.  Benedict Arnold
2.  Roy Hobbs (rooted for Japan in Women's World Cup)

[gouki88]

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

The list of the most un-American people of all-time:

1.  Benedict Arnold
2.  Roy Hobbs (rooted for Japan in Women's World Cup)

To the gallows with you

[Kernewek]

And Megan Rapinoe third, surely.

[Roy H.]

And Megan Rapinoe third, surely.

She's tied with Obama.

[Moranis]

It’s not un-American to not root for the American team, don’t be silly.

It seems like plenty of people have views on what makes you "American", and what you're allowed to do or say.  Both parties do it.

The idea that I have to root for every single athlete or team who wears an American uniform is silly.

All I said is that if you are American and you don't root for the American team in an international competition, then you are un-American.  You are rooting for interests contrary to your country, thus the classic definition of un-American.  I never said you had to like all the athletes, but if you don't root for the American team in an international competition then you are fitting pretty classically the definition of un-American.

I think the issue is that there is no longer a shared vision of America that everyone can root for - in fact the image (current and future) of the Americas that the two main political groups in our country have could not be more different. Kind of sad but unfortunately it's the reality...most sports teams that attempt to represent "America" try to straddle the middle to avoid controversy, while others wear their hearts on their sleeves and stand for what they believe in, consequences be [dang]ed. I doubt any of the US women are the slightest bit bothered about the stick that is coming their way from the right, they made their choices and are comfortable with them 

America has rarely had a shared vision, that isn't new, but what is new is actively rooting against America in an international competition.  That is about as un-American as you can get outside of criminal stuff (like treason).

Funny thing about treason ... it's how our country came to be.

Sure and they were un-English