World Cup: US’ Megan Rapinoe slammed by fans for ‘laughing’ in Sweden loss

Megan Rapinoe, like her US teammates, was in tears after the loss to Sweden on Sunday, eliminating the United States women’s national soccer team from the World Cup.

However, it was the reaction after her missed penalty kick that fans have a problem with.

She took the fourth penalty in the shootout to give her team a 4-2 lead in the shootout, but the show went high over the crossbar. As a result, she jogged back and appeared to be smirking, which, of course, could be viewed in a number of ways.

The USWNT’s bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday. To be fair, Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelly O’Hara all missed penalties that could have given the United States the win. It is Rapinoe, though, that many fans appeared to direct their frustration. Many on social media took notice.

“I mean, this is like a sick joke. For me personally, this is like dark comedy that I missed a penalty,” Rapinoe said with tears in her eyes. “This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game. I think it can be cruel.”

The USWNT’s bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday on penalty kicks. While Rapinoe, Smith and O’Hara all missed penalties that could have given the United States the win, Lina Hurtig converted and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 after a scoreless draw. The Americans controlled the shootout but O’Hara missed the Americans’ final attempt and then Hurtig scored to give Sweden the win.

It is the earliest exit in tournament history for the United States, four-time winners of the World Cup.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.