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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"I can’t believe it. I never even hit them over, ever, when they’re saved. That’s just how it goes"
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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
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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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