Megan Rapinoe explains why she was LAUGHING after missing a crucial penalty as the US lost to Sweden at the Women’s World Cup
Megan Rapinoe explains why she was LAUGHING after missing a crucial penalty as the US lost to Sweden at the Women’s World Cup
Megan Rapinoe has explained why she laughed and smiled after missing a crucial penalty in the United States’ shock exit from the Women’s World Cup.
The 38-year-old, who has now played her last game for the USWNT, was panned by fans for her immediate reaction to her kick over the crossbar in Sweden’s 5-4 shoot-out win on Sunday.
As Rapinoe ran back to the center line where her teammates were standing, she appeared to be grinning and laughing to herself.
Rapinoe was later seen crying alongside her devastated teammates as USA – the league’s defending champions – crashed during the last 16 stage in Melbourne.
Rapinoe explained her initial reaction afterwards, saying, “That’s like a sick, sick joke.” I’ve never skipped it, if I miss they’re saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face.
Megan Rapinoe laughed to herself after missing a crucial penalty for the United States in their Women’s World Cup final 16 finals to Sweden on Sunday.
She was still smiling as she rejoined her teammates during the midway shootout
“I’m like, ‘You’re kidding.’ Will I miss a penalty? I mean, honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.’
Indeed, it had been five years since Rapinoe last missed a penalty, in an NWSL match, but this one proved much more costly as she was denied the fairytale conclusion to her international career.
Speaking to FOX after the loss, Rapinoe said, “I thought we played really well, I’m so happy for us that we started playing like that.
“This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty kick. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game.
“I felt very grateful and happy and I know this is the end and it’s sad. This is the only time I’ve been in one of these (losing a World Cup penalty shoot-out) – it’s been an honour.’
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner, played every game as a substitute. She had started this in overtime but struggled to make much of an impact during her time on the field.
In the heat of the moment when the US lost to Sweden, many fans were outraged by Rapinoe’s seemingly happy reaction to missing her kick.
Rapinoe’s kick went over the bar as she was one of three American players to miss in the shootout
Moments later, Rapinoe was in tears as her career ended in a landslide defeat in the US
Rapinoe shot her penalty over the crossbar and said the moment felt like ‘a sick joke’
Rapinoe looked devastated as victory in Sweden began to sink in for her and her team
“I don’t see what’s funny about this?” wrote one fan on Twitter in response. “The laughter shows how much this team took this as a joke. So much for being a role model for the rest of the team.’
Another said: “I’m a Megan Rapinoe fan in general, but laughing after a missed penalty doesn’t look good.”
Another USWNT supporter said, “Megan Rapinoe smiles after missing a game to gain horsepower… never been happier to see a player quit.” I never want to see her on my TV again. What a way to end your career.’
Another fan from the US tweeted, “Megan Rapinoe laughing after missing her PK will be in my nightmares. What a joke.’
Sweden, who triumphed on penalties after a goalless draw in Melbourne, will meet Japan next in the quarter-finals.