After the United States lost to Sweden on penalties on Sunday night, Megan Rapinoe reflected on the swings of fortune that often make football so cruel.
In her final World Cup, the 38-year-old’s prowess on set-pieces has helped her win two World Cups with her country. However, the fact of three players have missed a penalty in Sunday’s shootout was a "sick joke" for her.
"I’m really happy for us that we went out like that, playing the way we did [against Sweden], having a ton of joy on the ball," she told Fox Sports after the game. "This is like a sick joke for me personally, this is a dark comedy that I missed a penalty. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game."
The USWNT was knocked out of the #WorldCup on this missed PK from Megan Rapino. It almost looked like perfecting her craft hasn’t been her primary focus. 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/1So5HrcZdb
— solid7podcast (@solid7podcast) August 6, 2023
The US failed to reach at least the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history. For Rapinoe, this fact brought mixed emotions.
"I still feel really grateful and joyful and I know it’s the end and that’s sad," she said. "But to know that this is the only time I’ve been in [a penalty shootout] this early [at a World Cup] says a lot about the success I’ve been able to have, just how much I’ve loved being able to play for this team and this country. Yeah, this has been an honour."
For other US players, the despair in defeat was clear.
"I’m devastated, it feels like a bad dream," said Alex Morgan who, like Rapinoe and Naeher, was hoping to win her third World Cup with the US.
USA coach Vlatko Andonovski may not be around to see those players develop. His job is under threat after a disappointing campaign.
