Megan Rapinoe, a prominent figure in the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), received significant backlash from passionate soccer fans for her emotional response following a crucial missed penalty during the Women’s World Cup.
In the midst of the penalty shoot-out against Sweden on Sunday, the 38-year-old stepped up for the USA’s fourth penalty with the opportunity to secure a potential 4-2 advantage for her team. Regrettably, her shot sailed well above the crossbar, leading to the USWNT’s elimination from the tournament.
On Sunday, the US Women’s National Team’s Megan Rapinoe missed a crucial shot in the World Cup’s penalty shoot-out against Sweden
Image credits: NurPhoto / Getty Images
Image credits: NurPhoto / Getty Images
While returning to the center of the field after her unfortunate kick, however, Rapinoe displayed a smirk and laughter, leading to a mix of bewilderment and anger among fans of the team – even though moments after, she was already fighting back tears.
“Team USA’s downfall was delivered by anti-America, anti-woman activist Megan Rapinoe’s EMBARRASSING free kick here,” one Twitter comment said.
“I’m generally a Megan Rapinoe fan, but laughing after a missed penalty is not a good look,’ wrote another.
But hardcore fans were more upset about Rapinoe’s strange reaction following her miss, rather than dropping out of the tournament
Image credits: Alex Pantling – FIFA / Getty Images
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You can watch the emotional moment unfold yourself
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Image credits: bennyjohnson
Image credits: bennyjohnson
“I can’t believe it. I never even hit them over, ever, when they’re saved. That’s just how it goes”
Image credits: mrapinoe
Image credits: mrapinoe
During her illustrious career, Rapinoe led the US team to win two World Cups, besides winning the gold medal with the national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics
Image credits: mrapinoe
Image credits: mrapinoe
In July, the 38-year-old announced this season will be her last
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Off the field, Rapinoe gained recognition for her contributions to LGBTQ rights and for promoting equality in women’s sports
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In 2022, she became the inaugural soccer player to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor
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Rapinoe, who previously declared her retirement from football, making Sunday’s performance her last on the field professionally, had this to say about her reaction: “I mean, that’s a sick joke. I just – yeah. I can’t believe it. I never even hit them over, ever, when they’re saved. So yeah, I mean, that’s just how it goes.”
“I’m really happy for us that we went out like that, playing the way we did [against Sweden], having a ton of joy on the ball,” she told Fox Sports after the game.
The loss against Sweden marked the first instance in their history that the US, two-time defending champions, was unable to advance to at least the semi-finals of the World Cup.
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Despite the tragic loss, Nike and the Bidens congratulated Rapinoe on her inspiring career
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And so did fans of the team
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