USA women spark controversy as 6 players stay SILENT during Star Spangled Banner

Members of the United States Women's Soccer Team have again remained silent while the Star Spangled Banner played out in the AAMI Park prior to their World Cup clash with Sweden.

In previous Women's World Cup group ties against Vietnam, The Netherlands and Portugal, the majority of Vlatko Andonovski's side elected not to sing along to the national anthem.

Prior to their goalless draw with Portugal, the majority of the side stood motionless during as the anthem played out, with only captain Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher and Julie Ertz putting their hands on their hearts.

The decision led to criticism from American media personality Megyn Kelly, who blamed Megan Rapinoe for the decision, despite the 38-year-old not being included in the starting XI for the clash.

'Megan Rapinoe, she's the leader of all this... She's not a starter. So that's why she's not on camera when they're doing the national anthem, but she's behind a lot of this,' Kelly said while hosting the Megyn Kelly Show.

'She's poisoned the entire team against the country for which they play. I don't know about you, but I'm not rooting for them. I'm not with them. I hope they lose…It's shameful. These girls are shameful. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.'

Ballon d'Or Féminin winner Rapinoe has long been known for her political advocacy, having

The USWNT entered the clash with Sweden looking to rebound from a disappointing group stage performance from the four-time World Cup winners.

Victory over Vietnam in their tournament opener was followed by back-to-back draws with the Netherlands and Portugal, allowing them to narrowly progress to the knockout stages.