The US women’s national soccer team suffered a shocking loss to the Swedish women’s team in a shootout Sunday, ending their run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The loss was especially devastating to Megan Rapinoe, who announced a few weeks ago that she would be retiring from the sport.
Rapinoe was one of three U.S. players who missed a penalty kick.
When asked what was going through her mind, Rapinoe told media she thought it was just a sick joke.
“A sick joke,” Rapinoe said. “That’s why I had that smile on my face. Like, ‘You got to be (expletive)kidding me. I’m going to miss the penalty?’ I honestly can’t remember the last [time] I missed a penalty. Not in a game for a very long time.
“But that’s the way it goes. I’ve definitely thought about that before — it’s always a possibility when you step up there. But I thought I was going to make it. I thought everyone was going to make it,” she added.
But many fans weren’t so forgiving. Not only were they angry at Rapinoe, but they were also mad at the team and coaches for losing. And they let the USWNT know how disappointed they were.
Vlatko letting Rapinoe take a penalty after watching her corners and free kicks this tournament was just coaching malpractice. #USWNT
— Patrick Quaife (@pquaife) August 6, 2023
Vlatko shouldn’t even be allowed on the team plane. Pack his shit up and get him out of here. #USWNT
— MLS (@MegSmith24) August 6, 2023
Well he needs company on his plane and laughing about missing a PK gets you a ticket on his plane not the teams
— Salty Dog (@SaltyDog1953) August 6, 2023
Some fans, however, still have faith in the women’s team bouncing back.
I’m forever proud of our #USWNT. This team will come back better and stronger, because that’s what American women do. 💚⚽️🇺🇸
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 6, 2023
