Fans bemoan US women's silence during anthem at World Cup opener

Much of the US women's soccer team remained silent during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner at Friday's World Cup opener in New Zealand, prompting critics to excoriate players over a perceived lack of patriotism.

Before beating Vietnam, 3-0, to open Group E play, six of 11 players opted against placing their hands over their hearts, instead keeping their arms at their sides or behind their backs. Meanwhile, five others did put their hands on their hearts, including three — Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Lindsey Horan — who sang the national anthem lyrics.

The Vietnamese women, on the other hand, were all seen singing their anthem with their hands on their chests.

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