FIFA World Cup: Ali Krieger Hits Back at Teammate Carli Lloyd for 'Unnecessary' Bashing of USWNT

USA v Korea DPR: Group C - FIFA Women's World Cup 2011

(Photo : Boris Streubel/Getty Images) DRESDEN, GERMANY - Rachel Buehler of USA (C) celebrates the 2nd goal with her teammates Alex Krieger (L) and Carli Lloyd (R) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Group C match between USA and Korea at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion on June 28, 2011 in Dresden, Germany.

Carli Lloyd has been critical of the USA Women's National Team in the ongoing FIFA World Cup after her former team failed to secure a top spot in the Group Stage.

She even said that the team lacked passion, a comment to which USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski took offense.

Lloyd's former teammate Ali Krieger seconded Andonovski.

She thought her former teammate, with whom she spent three World Cup events, made remarks that did not help the team.

"I don't think it was really necessary to say what she said," said Krieger, who works as a World Cup analyst for ESPN.

"We got through, right? I feel like people were in panic mode because we haven't had a really great game - feeling like we're the team that's going to win it - and pull through. But ultimately, we got through and that's what's most important."

Lloyd reflects, insists on love for USWNT

It took only a day for Lloyd to get softer on her stance, as she said the past day allowed her to reflect after her controversial comments.

She explained that the things she said only reflected her love for the team she used to play for.

"I want people to understand that I care deeply about this team."@CarliLloyd shares how her previous comments on the USWNT come from a place of admiration and how they were reflected in a legacy of success and generational greatness 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2TIv8YQOVr
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023

"I'd like to state that obviously I was very critical of the team last night," she said through Fox Sports.

"I've had some time to reflect, to sleep on it. I want people to understand that I care deeply about this team. I've poured my heart and soul into this team for 17 years and it was based off of a legacy that was passed down from generation to generation, the mentality, the DNA of what makes that team so great."