Interview by Ibrahim Dabo
After losing the Women’s World Cup final to Japan on Sunday, U.S. national team midfielder Carli Lloyd said her side created a buzz back home and are looking forward to a brighter future.
“I was really proud,” Lloyd told Ib Talk Online when the team arrived in New York’s Times Square on Monday, less than 24 hours after the defeat.
“I was proud of Pia [Sundhage] and our coaching staff, my teammates and myself. We did our utmost best out there and there’s nothing you can ask for more than that.”
Nevertheless, Lloyd admitted that is was unfortunate to loose in the penalty kicks and added: “At the end of the day we did better than the last World Cup.
“We made it to the final after not being there since 1999 and we have to keep things in perspective,” said the 29-year-old.
Lloyd, who plays for the Atlanta Beat said, “We created a buzz here in the U.S. I think we lifted women’s soccer around the country and around the world.
“It was fun. It was just a sad ending but at the end of the day, we are second and that’s a pretty big accomplishment.”
Looking ahead, Lloyd said the team will work toward qualifying for the Olympics, which will be held in six venues across Great Britain beginning July 2012.
The U.S. team has won two Women’s World Cups (1991 and 1999) and three Olympic Women’s Gold Medals (1996, 2004 and 2008).
You might also be interested in reading:
* Exclusive Interview: The U.S. Qualifying For The World Cup Is Not Even A Question, Says Alexi Lalas
* Exclusive Interview: Salomon Kalou Anticipates A Great Season
* Exclusive Interview: Obi Mikel Eyes Champions League and Premiership
* Exclusive Interview: Former England Ntl. Team Psychologist Bill Beswick Tips England To Win World Cup
* Football United: From Civil War In Sierra Leone To Success In The USA With Football Lending A Helping Hand – A Goal.com Exclusive Interview with Ibrahim Dabo
