Megan Rapinoe’s USWNT career came to an end after the team was dumped out of the World Cup by Sweden and the forward has provided context for her controversial reaction to missing a crucial penalty
Megan Rapinoe has explained why she appeared to laugh after missing her penalty at the World Cup.
The 38-year-old’s final game for the USWNT ended in bitter disappointment as the two-time defending world champions suffered a shock exit in the Round of 16 at the hands of Sweden. The forward took USA’s fourth penalty, which would have given them a 4-2 lead in the shootout, but she sent the ball high over the crossbar.
She was heavily criticised for smirking to herself after the missed spot-kick and in the aftermath of a campaign not befitting of a team aiming for their third straight World Cup. Rapinoe has explained her reaction. “That’s like a sick, sick joke. I’ve never hit it over, when I miss they are saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face,” she said.
“I’m like, ‘You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me. I’m going to miss a penalty?’ I mean, honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.” After a goalless draw with Sweden following 120 minutes of play, the USWNT were taken to a shootout.