After weeks of anticipation and excitement, the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) journey at the World Cup has come to a disappointing end. However, it is not just the defeat itself that has left fans and critics in an uproar, but the reaction from Megan Rapinoe following her missed penalty.
Heading into the competition, the USWNT were considered the favorites to win it all and complete a historic three-peat. With a roster stacked with talent, experience, and a successful track record, expectations were high. But, the team got off to a shaky start, barely making it out of the group stage and finishing second.
The round-of-16 clash between the USWNT and Sweden proved to be a tight and fiercely contested match. With both teams displaying their defensive prowess and resilience, the full-time whistle blew with a scoreline of 0-0. The tension and pressure mounted as the game went into a penalty shootout, where Sweden ultimately emerged triumphant. While there were several missed penalties throughout the shootout, it was Rapinoe’s reaction to her own miss that sparked criticism and left fans fuming.
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Fans slam Megan Rapinoe following missed penalty
Penalty shootouts are always a nerve-wracking affair, with the weight of an entire nation on the shoulders of the players stepping up to take their spot kicks. In such intense moments, emotions run high, and the slightest mistake can be devastating. Unfortunately, Megan Rapinoe, a veteran of the team, missed her penalty in the shootout.
However, it was not the missed penalty itself that drew criticism from fans and spectators worldwide. It was the reaction from Rapinoe immediately following her miss that caused an uproar. On camera, she can be seen smiling as she walks back to her teammates after her spot kick went wide. This nonchalant response left a sour taste in the mouths of many supporters and has ignited a wave of criticism.
Here are some of the reactions from the fans:
Why is she laughing??
— Scott Talbot (@scotttalbot1990) August 6, 2023
Megan Rapinoe laugh nearly kee me
— NENYECHELSEA (@IyawoChelsea) August 6, 2023
Megan Rapinoe sucks. How the fuck do you sky a penalty and then have the nerve to laugh and smile?
— zach. (@utdzach1) August 6, 2023
you know I don’t care that the US players missed penalties. The pressure is absolutely insane on the biggest stage. However, it’s absolutely criminal that rapinoe started to laugh and smile after missing her kick. you see sickness in Smith and O’Hara, and Rapinoe just laughs. Wow
— moosey (@moosehi_) August 6, 2023
At least Rapinoe had fun though right? Got her laughs and smiles out there.
— Chef Benny (@mbenoit92) August 6, 2023
Rapinoe just laughs when she misses her pk smh, at least you can see the regret in Sophia Smiths eyes
— Dav 🇺🇸🦁 (@SunyDindamornin) August 6, 2023
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Rapinoe misses important PK… And laughs…. She F'n laughes
— Adam Hayes (@dropkickhazy) August 6, 2023
The USWNT’s early exit from the World Cup has left fans disappointed and critical, particularly towards Megan Rapinoe. Her smiling reaction after missing a penalty during the shootout drew criticism, with fans expecting a more serious response at such a crucial moment.
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