On July 12, ESPNW's Jacqueline Purdy questioned whether American fans would have booed Brazil's five-time FIFA Player of the Year, Marta, if she played for the United States. Using examples of other players in the World Cup who had behaved poorly, Purdy made the case that Marta's actions came from a player that just wanted to win.
I have to question whether or not Purdy even watched the match last Sunday. Fans didn't boo Marta because they hated her. I was looking forward to the U.S. match against Brazil for many reasons, and seeing Marta play was one of them. She's the world's best female soccer player, and I couldn't wait to see her take the field.
However, things changed as the game wore on. I started seeing Marta and her teammates badgering the referee. They were complaining about every call on the field. This isn't to say the Americans weren't committing fouls, but the Brazil players were constantly in the referee's ear.
Marta's play worsened. She got away with a rough horse-collar tackle on U.S. defender Christie Rampone in the 58th minute. This is the same kind of tackle that has been banned in the NFL due to the risk of injury it poses. Marta should have received at least a yellow card for her actions.
The more the second half wore on, the more Marta whined and complained to the officials. She dove on multiple occasions, though at this point the referee was no longer listening to her pleas. It became rather comedic watching Marta and her teammates get away with their constant babbling.
Once extra-time began, the crowd had turned on Marta. She was no longer the world's best player but a whiner and a cheater. She proved the crowd right late in the second extra period when she pushed the ball out of bounds along the U.S. backline. Instead of accepting the goal kick after the Americans had successfully stuffed her on the backline, she turned and adamantly claimed that one of the U.S. players had touched the ball out. Her actions displayed a lack of integrity.
The truth of the matter is that Marta played a dishonest game. Her actions disrespected her opponents and the sport. This is why the fans booed. Anyone who claims that American fans would have cheered her if she'd play on the U.S. team is wrong. One only has to look at Lebron James and Alex Rodriquez to find American players who have been criticized by fans for their classless actions over the years. Even D.C. United player Charlie Davies has faced criticism after being labeled as a diver this season.
This is why Purdy is wrong. It's not about nationality, gender, or what team the player is on. It's about her attitude and actions on the field. Marta earned everything she got on the field last Sunday against the Americans.
source:yahoo.com
