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Megan Rapinoe and USWNT absolutely shredded after being knocked out of World Cup by Sweden

Sweden reached the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating the USWNT 5-4 on penalties.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The USA's dream to clinch World Cup triumph was brutally shattered as Sweden pulled off a stunning upset, knocking them out of the tournament through an intense penalty shootout. The unfolding events of that night were undeniably exceptional, leaving even the team's manager in tears during the subsequent press conference.

Leading up to the tournament, in an interview, Megan Rapinoe openly expressed a sense of resentment at seeing Sarina Wiegman's team emerge victorious in the previous year's European Championship. She said, "They got their little taste of winning. I was like, 'Dammit.' I would imagine if we meet this time, there will be a healthy amount of, if not explicit, then implicit trash talking." However, the outcome revealed a different story altogether.

A wake up call for the USA

The USA's reliance on Rapinoe, a 38-year-old player well into her post-football career, reflected a level of complacency within a nation that has long dominated the sport. The team had maintained an unbroken streak of reaching the semi-finals in every World Cup prior, instilling a belief that the tried-and-true strategies and players would always prevail. However, the world of soccer is far more intricate, capable of humbling even the most formidable opponents.

When Rapinoe stepped up for the fourth US penalty, a potentially triumphant moment in her last appearance for the national team, it appeared as though fate had scripted a victorious ending. Yet, her shot soared high, deviating from the anticipated narrative. Her ensuing smile and laughter, which ignited criticism from USA fans on social media, likely concealed the inner torment she felt. The outcome was unexpected and bittersweet, a far cry from the grandeur of her illustrious career. "This is like a sick joke," Rapinoe lamented afterward. "I’m just like, this is dark comedy. I missed a penalty." Sweden reached the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating the USWNT 5-4 on penalties.

'Going woke has once again proven to be a total failure!'

Angry online users, fervent supporters of the US, and soccer enthusiasts expressed their frustration over Rapinoe's missed penalty kick. They also highlighted her enigmatic smile following the goal's failure, further fueling the disappointment.

One user tweeted, "Perhaps if @USWNT’s players were more focused on practice rather than blue-haired, anti-USA, woke policies, then maybe….just maybe this goal wouldn’t have been embarrassingly missed. Should just take USA out of the team name if you’re not proud to represent America." Another added, "We shouldn't even allow them to play for our country if they won't stand. Allow it at non-country-representing games (pro soccer or other tourneys), but not when you are literally representing your country (supposedly). If it was the rainbow flag, she'd go bananas if we didn't all stand for it."

A third claimed, "WATCH THIS No professional “athlete” can suck this hard. At a certain point of disgrace your pride steps in. The coach is forced to bench. I’m now 100% convinced Megan Rapinoe intentionally sabotaged Team USA. Real fans should be enraged." "Hey Megan Rapinoe, it looks like you won't have to be annoyed listening to the National Anthem at the World Cup anymore," read a tweet. A user mockingly tweeted, "Trump called it back in 2021 on Megan Rapinoe 'The one with the purple hair, she didn’t play too well.' He never misses." "Megan Rapinoe and the @USWNT completely humiliated themselves. Going woke has once again proven to be a total failure. All real Americans are glad the US Women’s National Soccer Team lost," read another tweet.