Megan Rapinoe has fired back at her critics after facing criticism following her missed penalty that led to USA’s elimination from the World Cup.
The 38-year-old, who played for USWNT in her last game, was one of three stars who failed to score in their last 16 loss to Sweden on penalties.
Angry USA fans attacked Rapinoe after her miss, focusing her anger on the fact that she laughed immediately after taking her penalty over the bar.
After their miss, Donald Trump reignited his feud with the outspoken Rapinoe, sarcastically noting, “Good shot Megan,” in a social media post criticizing the USWNT.
Asked about the former president’s comments, Rapinoe told The Atlantic, “What he’s saying is fake.” It’s a conglomeration of catchphrases and catchphrases that make no sense at all or are completely inconsistent with reality.
Megan Rapinoe was one of three USA players missing in their penalty shoot-out loss
Rapinoe has been mocked by many on social media, including former President Donald Trump
Trump sarcastically remarked, “Good shot, Megan” and that “the US is going to hell”
“I think the way our team was talked about throughout the tournament was largely fake.” And it didn’t make sense to me: in 2019 we were extremely confident, extremely confident – and won everything .
“And although we won, we did it in poor taste, say our critics. This time we weren’t confident enough and we don’t have the right “mentality”. And that’s how we lost. It’s just so disingenuous. “There is no way for us to win and there is no way for us to lose.”
Trump said in his social media post that many USWNT players are “openly hostile to America” - with the team sparking a backlash as some of their stars remained silent during the national anthem in all four games of the tournament.
“The ‘shocking and totally unexpected’ loss of the US women’s soccer team to Sweden is emblematic of what is happening to our once great nation under Crooked Joe Biden,” Trump wrote on social media.
“Many of our players were openly hostile to America – no other country was like that or even close.” Woke up is tantamount to a mistake.
“Good shot Megan, the US is going to hell!!!” MAGA.’
Rapinoe later responded to the comments by saying, “It’s a really sad intrusion on the old bag.”
In her interview with the Atlantic, she went on to admit that she believed she would score her penalty on penalties and although she missed it, in hindsight she would have taken it anyway.
Angry USA fans slammed Rapinoe for laughing after missing the penalty shootout
The USWNT received backlash after several players refused to sing the national anthem
She added, “I’ve been thinking for a long time about missing one at a really big moment.” What will you do? The only thing you could do is not take one. I will not do that.
“I’d rather step forward and be in that moment.” And I think that’s something that made the criticism after that loss to me feel particularly false and disingenuous and absurd and outrageous. It’s like you’re hitting me for going out and doing my best?’
Trump wasn’t the only big name to voice criticism of the USWNT during the World Cup.
US soccer legend Alexi Lalas called the team “unlikable” and her former teammate Carli Lloyd lamented the side’s celebration after the group stage draw with Portugal.
Rapinoe said the comments were “disappointing,” adding, “Everybody on the right — and everybody using hateful language and those tropes — it’s like they’ve just been waiting since, I don’t know, 2016?” 2019? You’ve been waiting for this team to stumble. But when we are perfect, we are accused of being perfect.
Trump had a long-standing feud with the outspoken Rapinoe and singled her out after her failure
“Really what’s happening is that the right wants this to be true: they want women to believe that you can’t fight for things and be excellent; You can’t ask for what you deserve and still be successful. But the reality is we do.”
Rapinoe was previously criticized by fans for her immediate reaction to the missed penalty after she was seen laughing and smiling after blasting her kick over the bar.
“I don’t see what’s funny about this?” wrote one fan on Twitter in response. “The laugh shows how much this team took it as a joke.” So much for being a role model for the rest of the team.”
Another said: “I’m a Megan Rapinoe fan in general but laughing after a missed penalty doesn’t look good.”
Rapinoe was later seen weeping alongside her devastated teammates as USA – the competition’s champions – were eliminated in the round of 16 in Melbourne.
Rapinoe explained her initial reaction afterwards: “This is like a sick joke.” I’ve never thought about when I miss them being saved. That’s why I had this smile on my face.
Rapinoe, who won two world championships for the USWNT, played her last game for them in the round of 16 loss to Sweden
“I’m just like, ‘You must be kidding me’.” I’ll miss a penalty? “I mean, honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.”
However, Rapinoe received praise when spoke to supporters in New York City about what they really think of Rapinoe.
“I think she’s a great athlete,” said one supporter. I think what she stands for and what she represents means a lot to the football community.
“I think what she had to endure, especially after the events of the last game and given the criticism online it must hurt. I can’t imagine being in her position.” With her in particular, she is the face of an equal pay movement. Leading something like that has a big impact. I really feel for her.’
Rapinoe won the World Cup twice with the USA, scoring 63 goals in 202 games.
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