- In an interview with Insider, Tobin Heath expressed feeling “powerless” while watching the USWNT compete in the World Cup.
- Heath and fellow veteran Christen Press became emotional as they discussed the team’s loss on “The RE—CAP Show.”
- Heath believes that the team was not adequately prepared to succeed and finds it unfair to doubt the players’ motivation.
Like many Americans who watched this summer’s World Cup, Tobin Heath had a challenging time observing the US Women’s National Team in action.
Heath, a sensational forward with multiple World Cups and Olympic gold medals to her name, provided commentary on the tournament alongside Christen Press on “The RE—CAP Show,” an extension of their lifestyle brand, RE—INC. As the USWNT struggled through the knockout stage and eventually lost in the Round of 16, Heath grew increasingly concerned about the team’s performance.
“As a spectator, I feel somewhat powerless because you can’t directly influence the game like you can on the field,” Heath told Insider. “So, it’s giving me a new perspective.”
AP Photo/David Vincent
“However, I’m a huge football fan, like, completely obsessed with football, so it’s not my first time watching,” she added. “I do critique the game through a critical lens.”
Heath’s criticism, discussed in great detail on multiple episodes of “The RE—CAP Show,” revolves around the USWNT’s lack of tactical flexibility throughout the World Cup. She believes that the team’s failure to make necessary in-game adjustments and substitutions resulted in a disconnected and unbalanced performance.
After the USWNT’s draw against Portugal, Heath shared with Welsh star Jess Fishlock her observations that the team seemed out of sync. She foresaw their loss to Sweden and was emotionally affected by the squad’s lack of preparation for a world championship.
Carmen Mandato/USSF/Getty Images
On the show, Heath tearfully conveyed her passion and disappointment, stating, “I’ve dedicated my entire life to that team since I was a kid. When I see that team, I don’t see myself in it.”
She added, “I love those players deeply; they are closer to me than anything in this world. When I see them not being set up for success, it breaks my heart.”
Unlike former USWNT player Carli Lloyd, who questioned the players’ motivation, Heath disagrees and believes it’s unfair to suggest that the team lacks any motivation. However, she does express concerns that the team’s lack of preparedness dating back to the Tokyo Olympics affected their confidence and cohesion.
In Episode 5 of their show, Heath and Press discussed a sense of complacency among the team. She noticed that the USWNT no longer had the same drive she experienced in previous rosters. While acknowledging that other women’s soccer powerhouses also faced early exits, Heath emphasized that comparing themselves to others should not be part of the USWNT’s mentality. She hopes that the expectation of dominance will continue to exist for the team.
Heath concluded, “If we, as viewers and supporters, lose that belief, it would be a sad day for the US Women’s National Team. The expectation for this team is the ultimate sign of respect.”
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