Was Megan Rapinoe’s Reaction a ‘sick joke’ After Losing the Match Against Sweden?

Megan Rapinoe had the opportunity to advance the U.S. Women’s National Team to the World Cup quarterfinals and prolong her tournament run by at least one more match, but her illustrious career came to a disappointing end as she missed a penalty kick.

Rapinoe, who took Alex Morgan’s place in the 99th minute, was chosen for the fourth round of penalty kicks since the USWNT and Sweden were scoreless after 90 minutes and during extra time.

Zecira Musovic of Sweden didn’t even have to flex a muscle.

The USWNT failed to go to the semifinals for the first time after Rapinoe blasted the ball beyond the right corner of the net after three rounds. The USWNT was then eliminated on penalties.

Megan Rapinoe
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“I mean, this is like a sick joke,” Rapinoe told Fox Sports in an interview. “For me, personally, I’m just like this is dark comedy. I missed a penalty … This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game. I think it can be cruel and just not our day.”

Rapinoe scored the opening goal on a penalty shot in the United States’ victory over the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup final. Rapinoe did this before the custodian had a chance to make a save.

Rapinoe’s career ended with two World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in 2019, an Olympic gold medal from 2012, and the USWNT being ousted four years later.

A week after being outspoken about her role in the USWNT’s draw against the Netherlands, saying to reporters that she “could have helped” despite not being in the starting lineup and not receiving time as a substitute, Rapinoe missed her penalty kick. Rapinoe has long been an activist for political causes and announced prior to the World Cup that she would retire after the 2023 NWSL season.

 

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Rapinoe said on Sunday, “I think this team has always fought for so much more, and that’s been the most rewarding part for me,” adding that hearing “equal pay” cries during the 2019 World Cup final may have been her most memorable moment.

“Of course, playing in World Cups and winning championships and doing all that. To know that we’ve used our really special talent to do something that’s changed the world forever, I think that means the most to me.”

Rapinoe came in against Portugal in the 62nd minute of the last Group E encounter, and she replaced Morgan in the match on Sunday morning midway into the first half of extra time.

 

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For the USWNT, Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Kristie Mewis, and Alyssa Naeher all scored from their next penalty kicks, while Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelley O’Hara all failed in their attempts to do the same against Musovic, who had already made 11 saves before the kicks.
Despite all the hype surrounding its young players and the stories of veterans stepping away from the spotlight, Sweden advanced to play Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday, while the United States entered a period where questions — about Vlatko Andonovski, impending retirements, and where this new version of the USWNT belongs in the global conversations — will continue to surface.

The answer to Rapinoe’s last query, regarding how she would play in her final World Cup, is now available.Simply said, it didn’t have the anticipated conclusion.

“I know it’s the end, and that’s sad,” Rapinoe said, “but to know that this is really the only time I’ve been in one of these this early says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country. It’s been an honor.”

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