![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/megan-rapinoes-statement-in-full-as-uswnt-ace-breaks-silence-after-world-cup-exit/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_GettyImages-1587149091jpgher.jpg&description=The Stars and Stripes winger's last kick for her country sent the team crashing out of the World Cup as they went out against old foes Sweden on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate Megan Rapinoe has broken her silence after her penalty shootout miss versus Sweden condemned the USWNT to an early exit from the World Cup. It was a tournament to forget for the Stars and Stripes as they crashed out at the earliest stage in the nation's history in dramatic fashion against their old foes in the Round of 16. Although one-time Ballon d'Or victor Rapinoe was the hero as she netted the winning spot kick at the last World Cup, her miss from twelve yards would prove costly this time around. The 38-year-old would have fancied her chances as she stepped up following her exploits four years ago but she sent her penalty sailing over the bar. Sweden would eventually win the shootout 5-4, leaving the OL Reign winger ruing what might have been after what will be her final ever action as a US international. The veteran star now bows out from national team duty having appeared some 202 times for her country, winning two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal along the way. Now, in an emotional post on Instagram, the retiring American ace has signed off with a message to her fans. In a statement addressed to her two million followers on the social media site, she said: "This game is so beautiful, even in its cruellest moments. This group was so very special, and I am immensely proud of every single one of us. "This team is in special hands as I walk away, just like it always was, and always will be. Because that is what this team is all about. We lay it all out on the line every single time. She added: "Fighting with everything that we have, for everything we deserve, for every person we possibly can. It has been my honour to play for our country, with so many incredible women, for so many years. Thank you, a million times over." For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from th){kind=link}
The Stars and Stripes winger’s last kick for her country sent the team crashing out of the World Cup as they went out against old foes Sweden on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate
Megan Rapinoe has broken her silence after her penalty shootout miss versus Sweden condemned the USWNT to an early exit from the World Cup.
It was a tournament to forget for the Stars and Stripes as they crashed out at the earliest stage in the nation’s history in dramatic fashion against their old foes in the Round of 16. Although one-time Ballon d’Or victor Rapinoe was the hero as she netted the winning spot kick at the last World Cup, her miss from twelve yards would prove costly this time around.
The 38-year-old would have fancied her chances as she stepped up following her exploits four years ago but she sent her penalty sailing over the bar. Sweden would eventually win the shootout 5-4, leaving the OL Reign winger ruing what might have been after what will be her final ever action as a US international.
The veteran star now bows out from national team duty having appeared some 202 times for her country, winning two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal along the way. Now, in an emotional post on Instagram, the retiring American ace has signed off with a message to her fans.