Megan Rapinoe breaks silence after World Cup criticism, as the retiring striker insists she is ‘hugely proud’ of the ‘special’ USWNT… and ‘heartbroken’ Sophia Smith swears US will be back

Megan Rapinoe has spoken out after the heavy criticism she received after the United States’ ‘heartbreaking’ departure from the Women’s World Cup.

Rapinoe was one of three American players to miss a penalty as the reigning champion was eliminated by Sweden in the round of 16.

The 38-year-old has come under heavy fire for laughing after missing a penalty – the last act of her international career – with critics labeling her as ‘the epitome of selfishness’ and ‘devilishly arrogant’.

On Wednesday night, Rapinoe and several of her USWNT teammates issued statements on social media following their exit from the World Cup.

She didn’t directly comment on the flak she’s received, but Rapinoe did admit that this was a “cruel” moment in her career.

Rapinoe was one of three American players to miss a penalty when they were eliminated by Sweden

The 38-year-old has come under heavy fire for laughing after missing a penalty

“This game is so beautiful, even in the cruelest moments. This group was so special and I’m so proud of each of us.” Rapinoe wrote next to a photo of the devastated team.

“This team is in special hands as I walk away, just as it always was and always will be. Because that’s what this team is all about.

“We put everything on the line every time. Fighting with everything we’ve got, for everything we deserve, for every single person we can.

“It has been an honor for me to play for our country for so many years, with so many great women. Thank you, a million times.’

The team’s “unexplained” departure from the tournament sparked calls for a major overhaul of women’s soccer in the United States.

“This game is so beautiful, even in its cruelest moments,” Rapinoe wrote Wednesday night

But Rapinoe’s teammates Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith have both vowed the team will bounce back.

‘Broken heart,’ Smith wroteone of the team’s most outstanding players during the tournament.

“This World Cup was filled with just about every emotion possible, what I learned is more valuable than any experience I’ve ever had.

Thank you to those who believed and supported us throughout the tournament, and especially those who still do and have never stopped.

“Without moments like this, life wouldn’t exist, and I know without a doubt we’ll be back and hungrier than ever.”

Sophia Smith, one of the US’s most notable performers at the World Cup, said she was “heartbroken.”

Lindsey Horan even thanked the team’s ‘doubters’ as she reflected on their Round of 16 exit

Horan even thanked the team’s “doubters” as she reflected on their Round of 16 exit.

‘Unbelievable… the emotions football can give you. This is why we play right? To live in the greatest pressure moments. To play on the biggest stage,’ she wrote.

“Playing for something you’ve dreamed of all your life. Play to inspire. Play to bring joy. Play for all of you. This is why I love this game so much. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Thank you to everyone who doubted us.

“I am so proud of this team. So proud. This one will hurt for a while. Disappointed not to continue but this is football. Football can be won and lost by moments and millimeters. We will grow. We come back.’