Megan Rapinoe’s Revelation: Why She Doesn’t See the 2023 World Cup Heartbreak As Failure Despite the Missed Penalty That Rocked USWNT’s Exit

Many arguably viewed August 06, 2023, as the darkest day in US women’s soccer. That day, the USWNT prematurely blew their chances for a World Cup three-peat, losing to Sweden in penalties in the RO16. Recently retired superstar Megan Rapinoe attracted all the vitriol, as she misfired her penalty on the biggest stage. Names ranging from President Donald Trump to former USWNT players severely criticized her for the miss and the USWNT for the shocking exit. The 38-year-old stood unflinching in the face of the wrath back then. So is she now.

In an interview in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup exit, Megan Rapinoe asserted that the penalty miss did not take anything away from her stellar career. Now, in a recent conversation, she hinted she cares less about the criticism because she and her teammates “busted their a**es” in the World Cup.

Rapinoe considers the 2023 WC exit as a learning experience, amid acceptance to have performed better

Megan Rapinoe retired from the USWNT in September last year. Now, in a recent appearance on ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast, Rapinoe said she feels like a ‘fan girl’ to watch the USWNT from the outside. During the conversation, the host asked the 2x World Champion how she felt about the 2023 WC exit. “I think we could’ve played better, but also I’m like everyone was busting their a**es every single day. I don’t take it as a failure, I take it as like we did the best we could and learned a lot”. That wasn’t the end of her reasoning.

“And now this team has an opportunity with a lot of young players who have a championship under their belt,” said Megan Rapinoe. She also said that the USWNT dealt with a myriad of struggles while heading into the 2023 World Championship. The then USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn contracted a late injury and marred her WC prospects. Besides, Rapinoe also recalled that the team missed their best attacker, Mallory Swanson, due to injuries. So, as the 38-year-old pointed out, the 2023 World Cup exit is a story of the past, for both her and the USWNT.

Rapinoe and USWNT have made strides recently!

Last night, Megan Rapinoe’s longtime club, Seattle Reign announced it will retire her iconic #15 jersey number in a ceremony on August 25. Rapinoe spent 10 years in the Seattle club from 2013 to 2023. The veteran’s farewell club game against Washington Spirit set a new NWSL attendance record with 34,130 fans in the stands. Rapinoe tallied 54 goals and 28 assists in her 115 appearances for the club.

READ MORE: Megan Rapinoe On World Cup Penalty Miss- “Don’t Think Missing That Takes Anything With My Career”

On the other hand, the USWNT announced its staggering comeback by winning the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Though the US trembled against Mexico initially, they stood their ground when it mattered the most. And as Rapinoe pointed out, it was a young core that catapulted the US to a stunning win.

It was the 19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw who won the Golden Ball award in the tournament. Do you agree with Rapinoe’s thoughts on the WC? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: USWNT Helped Create Women’s Soccer History in Victory Over Brazil at the First-Ever CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup