The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has just concluded, with Spain winning their inaugural title. The Spanish women’s team faced England in the final held at Stadium Australia earlier today. Spain’s Olga Carmona, who also plays for Real Madrid, scored the only goal in the final to give Spain a 1-0 victory. However, former US President Barack Obama sent the Spanish team a stern warning after their victory.
Spain are only the second nation in history to win both the Women’s and Men’s FIFA World Cup 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/5TaZUYeeUg
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 20, 2023
Former US President Barack Obama is known to be a huge soccer fan. Obama is known as a fervent supporter of the beautiful game. The 62-year-old has entertained several soccer stars during his reign at the White House. From posing with MLS players to playing with some children at Ciudad de Dues Favela in Rio de Janeiro, Obama’s love for the game is evident.
The 44th President’s daughters and wife, Michele Obama are also big soccer lovers. Obama’s younger daughter, Sasha, and wife Michele have been occasionally spotted enjoying a friendly kickabout. Most recently, Barack Obama sent his congratulations to the Spanish women’s team after they lifted the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Congrats to Spain on their first @FIFAWWC victory! The U.S. will be back next time. https://t.co/lvR8Q6V4yB
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 20, 2023
Although Obama didn’t forget to send a message of warning to the Spanish team. He wrote, “Congrats to Spain on their first @FIFAWWC victory! The U.S. will be back next time.” The US Women’s had a rather dismal outing at the Women’s World Cup 2023. The four-time World Champions were knocked out by Sweden in the round of 16 after losing 4-5 on penalties.
How did the USWNT perform at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has been a bitter pill to swallow for the USWNT. The defending champions bowed out in the round of 16 against Sweden, the earliest exit in their World Cup history. Moreover, the USWNT’s journey at this year’s World Cup has been marred with controversies. Several players refrained from singing the national anthem during the team’s group stage matches.
This action drew immense criticism from ex-USWNT star Carli Lloyd. Lloyd, who’s a two-time World Champion, also branded the USWNT’s celebrations after their match against Portugal as “disrespectful“, highlighting the side’s poor performance. Last but not least, USWNT veteran Megan Rapinoe’s laugh after missing a penalty during the shootout defeat against Sweden further drew the ire of fans.
Rapinoe, who is currently playing her last season as a professional soccer player, explained the reason behind her laugh. She said, “I mean this is like a sick joke. For me personally, this is a dark comedy, that I missed a penalty.” Meanwhile, USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski’s recent resignation will be a big concern for the United States Soccer Federation, with the Paris Olympics 2024 just around the corner.