The football women compete at the world Cup is about more than just the title. U.S. player Megan Rapinoe, however, demonstrates that women are at least in a field of men far ahead of them, writes DW’s editor, Sarah Wiertz.
Let actions speak, and words follow: Megan Rapinoe
It is not without a certain irony, that it is the Singing of the national anthem to the far right – she is acting in both a playful as well as politically, but it is precisely on the opposite page. The hands are clasped Megan Rapinoe behind the back, the view goes rigid for a hoisted Flag, the lips are pressed together. Only one of the eleven players on the U.S. women’s soccer national team in their right Hand during the anthem on the heart.
The 33-Year-old is a uncomfortable person, on and off the court. In the top match against hosts France, world champion of 2015 on the left side not just for swirl – but in a 2:1 (1:0)-success for the two gates of the U.S. team in this eighth game of the final. A free-kick from the left-hand side, the midfielder turned sharply and by Bouncing directly (11. Minute). In the 64. Minute, pushing the Ball after an attack on the right from six metres on the line.
Provocative and solidarity
The goals number four and five in this world Cup are, your 46. or 47. International goal in the 157. Countries game, for 13 years Rapinoe plays for the women’s national team of the USA. She is Olympic champion (2012) and world champion (2015). In the cheering stands with both feet together on the spot, spreading only her two arms, and keeps a straight face. “I’m a walking Protest,” she once said himself: you can be on the lawn actions speak outside words to follow.
“I’m not going to the fucking White House,” she says in a Video that the soccer magazine Eight By Eight, published two days ago, on the question of whether she is looking forward to the invitation of the American President to a possible title win. As a gay woman, who joined as the first white Athlete with NFL player Colin Kaepernick solid, and a discrimination lawsuit against the US Association drive, it can be regarded without Exaggeration as an enemy Donald trump.
Reality versus advertising posters
DW-editor, Sarah Wiertz
For the offensive player with the at the world Cup pink-dyed hair, it is probably the last big tournament. It is the last Chance to be world champion. And it is the last Chance to represent again on a large public stage to their opinion. Rapinoe it’s obviously about more than just the title, money and the Likes. It comes to recognition. It’s about equality. It’s about respect. Not only on the advertising banners that the football associations are so fond of the games of the players carry around, but in real life.
That looks like so: The current best footballer, the Norwegian Ada Hegerberg is not a Protest because of the unequal payment of men and women in this world Cup. Afghan fußaller interior officials to sue for rape and sexual harassment. The Argentine national football team, joins a feminist protest movement. And the DFB women are fighting back at last against the lack of appreciation on the part of the DFB and the Public.
Rapinoe is, even more than her teammate Alex Morgan, or the Brazilian Marta, an icon, a personality with a clear attitude, as it is only found rarely in the sports. Thanks to her, the football-women’s – at least in this field – ahead of the men, a big step.