USWNT players' silence during national anthem ignites debate amid World Cup opener win

Most USWNT players did not sing the national anthem prior to their first World Cup match against Vietnam.
While the Vietnamese team passionately sang their anthem, only 5 of 11 US players placed hands over hearts.
Some criticized the US team's silence, while others supported their right to choose.
Team captain Megan Rapinoe, who previously kneeled for the anthem, remained silent in her last World Cup match before retirement.
Despite the pre-game tensions, the heavily favored US squad won their opener 3-0 over Vietnam.