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.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
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.
“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.
Megan Rapinoe will not have wanted her last kick at a #FIFAWWC to be this! #USA #SWE pic.twitter.com/ghpwtehLR6
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 6, 2023
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.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
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.”
Ready for pay transparency laws? @Trusaic's PayParity® software helps organizations identify & eliminate pay disparities while ensuring compliance.
Support fair pay for all. Visit https://t.co/F7FLantYei💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/XjIcjpYHN9
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) January 24, 2023
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram