As the countdown to the Women’s World Cup final taking place at Lyon, France on Sunday continues to tick away, the United States Women’s team is ramping up for their attempt at a fourth World Cup title.
During the tournament, USA’s Megan Rapinoe has been the center of the spotlight, for both her phenomenal play, and for comments she made about not attending the White House in the event that the American’s win, which drew the ire of President Donald Trump.
The Americans have also been called “arrogant” by the press across the pond.
When the big game kicks off on Sunday, Rapinoe will have the support of her girlfriend, WNBA star Sue Bird.
“What they’re doing right now, it’s amazing,” Bird said (h/t ESPN).
Bird has already come to the defense of her girlfriend, taking Trump to task during an article she penned on The Players’ Tribune.
“On some levels, if you read it, there is some humor in there. It’s a light, fun way to use your voice, but also address some things,” Bird said. “More than anything, I wanted to hype Megan up a little bit and also have her back. … It was challenging at times trying to get the right messaging across that I wanted to convey, but I think all in all I’m happy with it. There has been a lot more love than hate. Unfortunately, there has been some hate, but that’s just reality we live in right now.”
“I don’t feel political. To me, this isn’t a matter of tax reform and things of that nature,” she said. “This is treating people with respect, treating people like they’re a human, just like you are. That’s where I stand with it. That’s what I believe in. It’s very similar to what Megan believes in. More than anything, I wanted to have her back, and talk about some soccer.”
Bird said that she can relate to Rapinoe, who is hoping to be 100% for Sunday’s game, and spoke about her continued rehabilitation from left knee surgery that took place back in May.
“I was actually ready right around the playoffs. Then it becomes this team has played an entire season without me, is that fair? And I’m already putting the carriage before the horse because who knows if I’m going to be ready by then?” she said. “It was definitely more extensive than we had initially thought going in. Which isn’t a bad thing, I think long term it’s a good thing. It just kind of sucks for this season.”