Megan Rapinoe has defined why she laughed and smiled after lacking a vital penalty within the United States’ shock exit from the Women’s World Cup.
The 38-year-old, who has now performed her final sport for the USWNT, was panned by followers for her speedy response to her kick over the crossbar in Sweden’s 5-4 shoot-out win on Sunday.
As Rapinoe ran again to the middle line the place her teammates have been standing, she gave the impression to be grinning and laughing to herself.
Rapinoe was later seen crying alongside her devastated teammates as USA – the league’s defending champions – crashed over the past 16 stage in Melbourne.
Rapinoe defined her preliminary response afterwards, saying, “That’s like a sick, sick joke.” I’ve by no means skipped it, if I miss they’re saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face.
Megan Rapinoe laughed to herself after lacking a vital penalty for the United States of their Women’s World Cup remaining 16 finals to Sweden on Sunday.
She was nonetheless smiling as she rejoined her teammates through the halfway shootout
“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.
Speaking to FOX after the loss, Rapinoe said, “I thought we played really well, I’m so happy for us that we started playing like that.
“This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty kick. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game.
“I felt very grateful and happy and I know this is the end and it’s sad. This is the only time I’ve been in one of these (losing a World Cup penalty shoot-out) – it’s been an honour.’
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner, played every game as a substitute. She had started this in overtime but struggled to make much of an impact during her time on the field.
In the heat of the moment when the US lost to Sweden, many fans were outraged by Rapinoe’s seemingly happy reaction to missing her kick.
Rapinoe’s kick went over the bar as she was one of three American players to miss in the shootout
Moments later, Rapinoe was in tears as her career ended in a landslide defeat in the US
Rapinoe shot her penalty over the crossbar and said the moment felt like ‘a sick joke’
Rapinoe looked devastated as victory in Sweden began to sink in for her and her team
“I don’t see what’s funny about this?” wrote one fan on Twitter in response. “The laughter shows how much this team took this as a joke. So much for being a role model for the rest of the team.’
Another said: “I’m a Megan Rapinoe fan in general, but laughing after a missed penalty doesn’t look good.”
Another USWNT supporter stated, “Megan Rapinoe smiles after missing a game to gain horsepower… never been happier to see a player quit.” I by no means need to see her on my TV once more. What a strategy to finish your profession.’
Another fan from the US tweeted, “Megan Rapinoe laughing after lacking her PK shall be in my nightmares. What a joke.’
Sweden, who triumphed on penalties after a goalless attract Melbourne, will meet Japan subsequent within the quarter-finals.