USWNT HC calls criticism of team celebration 'insane'

With the tie, the Americans wrapped up group play with just one win and two draws, but still advanced to the knockout stage. It was just the second time in Women's World Cup history that the U.S. didn't win its group.

They avoided elimination after Portugal's Ana Capeta hit the post during second-half stoppage time.

"One thing that I want to say is that this team wanted to win this game more than anything else, and they did everything they could in preparation for this tournament and in every game," Andonovski said, per The Athletic. "To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness, the willingness to win, I think it’s insane."

The head coach's words came after former U.S. World Cup winner Carli Lloyd (who was working on the Fox broadcast of the game), said she had "never witnessed" anything like the team's postgame celebration.

"There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family. But to be dancing, to be smiling? I mean, the player of the match was that post. You’re lucky to not be going home right now," Lloyd said.

According to The Athletic report, Fox Sports "briefly showed footage" of Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn and Megan Rapinoe "dancing at full-time" and captain Lindsey Horan "laughed and applauded." Furthermore, Trinity Rodman "posed for photographs with supporters," per the report.

"I’ve never seen this team step on the field and not try harder and not compete. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and they can say whatever they want, but I just know how this team feels," Andonovski said. "And it’s not like we played well, but we own it. We know it’s not good enough. We know we’re not happy with our performance, but it’s, you know, we qualified for the next round. We’re moving on."

The Americans will face the winner of Group G in the round of 16 on Sunday.