Netherlands forward mocks USWNT for early World Cup exit

August 10, 2023

Netherlands forward Lineth Beerensteyn was happy to see the USWNT eliminated from the 2023 World Cup after claiming the Americans talked too much.

Beerensteyn, whose team is one of eight quarterfinalists left in the Women’s World Cup, called out the USWNT on Thursday, saying she hopes the players will learn a valuable lesson from their earliest exit in World Cup history.

The Netherlands, which drew 1-all with the U.S. in the group stage, faces Spain on Friday.

“From the first moment I heard they were out I was just like ‘Yes! Bye!” the Juventus star said.

“From the start of the tournament, they had really big mouths and were already talking about the final.

Lineth Beerensteyn at the Wellington Regional Stadium on August 10, 2023 in Wellington New Zealand. — Lineth Beerensteyn did not appreciate the “big mouths” of the USWNT.

“I was thinking you first have to show it on the pitch before you talk (big). I’m not being rude in that way, I still have a lot of respect for them, but now they’re out of the tournament — and for me, it’s a relief, and for them it’s something they will have to take with them in the future. Don’t start to talk about something that is far away. I hope they will learn from that.”

Beerensteyn’s celebration of the U.S.’ heartbreaking loss to Sweden — in a dramatic penalty kick shootout in the Round of 16 — comes with a history.

The 26-year-old Dutch pro was a member of the Netherlands team that lost 2-0 to the Americans in the 2019 World Cup final, the U.S.’ second straight title after defeating Japan in the 2015 final.

The teams then tied in this year’s tournament in group stage play. Netherlands ultimately finished atop the group, which sent the U.S. to its match against Sweden.

Lineth Beerensteyn #7 of Netherlands controls the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2023 quarterfinal match between Netherlands and South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. — Lineth Beerensteyn #7 of Netherlands controls the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2023 quarterfinal match.

Sweden’s game-winning penalty kick that ousted the Americans crossed the line by a millimeter before being swatted out by goalie Alyssa Naeher.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the goal, ending the USWNT’s shot at three-peat.

The U.S. had multiple opportunities to eliminate Sweden earlier in penalty kicks, but Kelley O’Hara hit the right post in the seventh round and veteran Megan Rapinoe missed.