Ali Krieger has clearly never heard of the 1999 USWNT
Ali Krieger says the current U.S. squad is “the best team we’ve had” ever. The only way to say that is to have never heard of the team that won it all in 1999.
U.S. defender Ali Krieger is known for her strong defending and ability to use her right foot to clear the ball.
She put that same foot in her mouth, saying the team currently competing to win the World Cup in France is the best in the program’s history.
“I think this is the best team we’ve had,” Krieger told reporters on Saturday. “In every single position we have multiple players we can get the job done. There’s no specific starting 11. I think each and every one of us is capable enough to get into the game and be a starter. I don’t know if I could say that from previous teams.”
Can’t fault Krieger for the excitement that surrounds the team. Sure, they have won all three of their group-stage matches in convincing fashion. In the process, they have scored 18 goals, conceded none and are strong enough to field two competitive teams at this tournament.
Having said that, the U.S. hasn’t won anything… yet.
The Americans are the winningest women’s soccer team in history. With three World Cups and four Olympic gold medals, the United States has had plenty to past glory to reminisce about.
The 36-year-old defender was only 15 when the U.S. won the World Cup in 1999, a seminal moment in American sports history. She missed out on playing with Mia Hamm, the greatest female soccer player ever, and teammates Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain and Brianna Scurry.
After the win against Chile in Paris last Sunday, Kriger was quoted as saying, “We have the best team in the world and the second-best team in the world.”
Krieger first appearance with the national team came in 2008 and was on the team that won the World Cup four years ago. She has made 101 appearances, scoring once.
Krieger’s bold statement didn’t get much agreement from her teammates. Fellow defender Kelley O’Hara, when told of Krieger’s comments, said, “This is a great U.S. team. There have been incredible U.S. teams throughout time. I think you can only be the best if you win. So talk to me in 17 days, and I’ll answer that question better.”
That measured approach is smart. The Americans take on Spain, a manageable opponent, on Monday in the Round of 16. But the side of the bracket the U.S. is on isn’t going to make the road to the July 7 final in Lyon easy. Should the team advance to the quarterfinals, they would have to take on the winner of France-Brazil.
The host nation has emerged as one of the favorites after going 3-0 in the opening round, while Brazil, led by the legendary Marta, is also no pushover.
Krieger means well, but her comments are nonsensical.
The U.S. are a strong team. Are they better than the famed ’99ers? Not at all. Maybe they will be.
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Should Krieger and her teammates underestimate anyone at this tournament? Not at all. Doing so would undo all the hard work and great games they have already put together.
Alex Morgan and the USWNT are off to a great start. They will need to finish the job over the next two weeks. Only then can Krieger’s argument make some sense. For now, it’s pretty clear that team that won it all 20 years ago remains the gold standard.