After Megan Rapinoe was berated for laughing at her own missed penalty during the US World Cup heartbreak… we asked the people of America what they REALLY think of the football star

After Megan Rapinoe laughed at missing a penalty kick at the Women’s World Cup, social media was ablaze with criticism of the soccer veteran, but the witch hunt apparently hasn’t spread to the streets of America.

Rapinoe, 38, missed a crucial spot kick in a penalty shootout against Sweden that the USWNT eventually lost and was eliminated, marking the end of her last World Cup game with the Stars and Stripes.

The winger took USA’s fourth penalty in the shootout to give her team a 4-2 lead in the shootout, but fired her shot high over the crossbar.

As she ran back to the halfway line, much to the confusion of fans watching home, she was grinning and laughing to herself, which enraged fans on social media.

It came after the USWNT also sparked backlash, as a majority went silent during the national anthem during all four games Down Under.

Away from social media, however, their compatriots seemed to have a little more sympathy as DailyMail.com spoke to supporters in New York City about what they really think of Rapinoe.

“I think she’s a great athlete,” a supporter told DailyMail.com on Monday. “I think what she stands for and what she stands for means a lot to the football community.

“I think what she’s had to go through, especially after the events of the last game, especially given the criticism online, must have hurt, I can’t imagine being in her position. Especially with her, she is the face of an equal pay movement. To lead something like that, it has a big impact. I really sympathize with her.’

The young man suggested that American football fans viewed Rapinoe as an easy target to direct their frustration over the messages she faced off the field.

“For athletes in any sport, when you miss a penalty like that, it’s difficult and you get criticized,” he added.

‘Especially on the world stage you are in the spotlight, so how she handles that will become apparent. I definitely believe in her and think she is doing well.

“Many people have analyzed it as her leading role in the equal pay movement, and she has become a target of criticism all along. And when you’re a target, people look for every hole in the armor.

I think it’s undeserved criticism. I think a lot of people go after her for who she thinks she is and make her an enemy she’s not.’

Another elderly American agreed, claiming that Rapinoe was being used as a scapegoat for the US departure.

“I think she’s brilliant,” he said. “I think she’s probably one of the best footballers ever, male or female.

“I think as soon as you lose something, people start complaining and complaining to you, but I don’t think it’s right to do it to her. She’s done great things for the sport.”

A young female fan also praised Rapinoe for the work she has done for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I really like her,” she said. “I think she’s done a lot to represent LGBTQ people and she’s just a great role model for female athletes.

However, not everyone was so empathetic with one man admitting that while Rapinoe has done a lot for football, there could be a time and a place for her to use her platform.

“I think she’s quite successful,” he said. “I think she’s had quite the career. She’s retiring now, 38 is probably the right time. But she’s really lively, she brings a lot to the sport.

“I think everyone is entitled to an opinion. Obviously, she’s in the public eye, so it’s probably worth being a little careful about what you say. But personally I have no problem with what she embraces.’

Meanwhile, while Americans seemed surprisingly more in Rapinoe’s corner than expected, one Australian tourist wasn’t much in favor of the American star or the team in general.

The USWNT and Rapinoe were blasted by Stars and Stripes legend Carli Lloyd for dancing and partying after just sneaking out of the group stage.

And when she watched the Women’s World Cup from the United States, rather than from her native Australia, which co-hosts the tournament with New Zealand, the Australian claimed the criticism was justified.

“I think she has been very honest in what she has said about the Women’s World Cup,” she said. “We were looking at it this morning. I think she’s being very honest, but I think she has a place where and when to say it.

“There has been a lot of talk about the American team in the media. I think the way they’ve been celebrating on and off the field is probably not the right move, and certainly their comments about other teams.

“I think the criticism is justified. I think of the way they celebrated being lucky to get through it. And I honestly think a lot of people were pretty happy to see them lose in the end.”

After the US was eliminated, Rapinoe was seen crying next to her devastated teammates.

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.

“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.