After Megan Rapinoe was slammed for laughing at her own missed penalty in the USA’s World Cup heartbreak… we asked the people of America what they REALLY think about the soccer star
- Megan Rapinoe missed a crucial spotkick in a penalty shootout against Sweden
- Fans on social media were furious with her reaction as the USWNT crashed out
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
After Megan Rapinoe laughed at missing a penalty at the Women’s World Cup, social media was set ablaze with criticism of the soccer veteran but the witch hunt seemingly hasn’t spread to the streets of America.
Rapinoe, 38, missed a crucial spotkick in a penalty shootout against Sweden, which the USWNT eventually lost to be knocked out, signaling the end of her final World Cup game with the Stars and Stripes.
The winger took USA’s fourth penalty in the shootout to give her team a 4-2 lead in the shootout but blazed her shot high over the crossbar.
As she jogged back to the halfway line, she was – much to the confusion of fans watching back home – smirking and laughing to herself, which left fans on social media enraged.
It came after the USWNT also sparked backlash as a majority stayed silent during the national anthem throughout all four of its games Down Under.
Megan Rapinoe laughed to herself after she missed a crucial penalty for the USA vs. Sweden
Six players stood silent as the anthem played before the USA’s defeat to Sweden on Sunday
However, way from social media, their fellow countrymen appeared to have a little more sympathy, as DailyMail.com spoke to supporters in New York city about what they really think about Rapinoe.
‘I think she’s a great athlete,’ one supporter told DailyMail.com on Monday. ‘I think what she stands for and what she represents means a lot to the soccer community.
‘I think what she’s had to face, especially after the events of the last game, definitely seeing the criticism online, must hurt, I can’t imagine being in her position. Especially with her she’s the face of an equal pay movement. To spearhead something like that it’s super impactful. I really empathize with her.’
The young man suggested that US soccer fans saw Rapinoe as any easy target to direct their frustration due to the messages she has stood for off the field.
‘For athletes in any sport, when you miss a penalty kick like that it’s tough, and you get criticized,’ he added.
‘Especially on the world stage, you’re in the spotlight, so how she’ll handle it will show. I definitely believe in her and think she’s doing good.
‘A lot of people have analyzed it as her spearheading the equal pay movement and throughout it she’s become a target of criticism. And, when you’re a target, people look for any chink in the armor.
‘I think it’s undeserved criticism. I think a lot of people just go after her because of who she thinks she is and they want to make her into this enemy that she isn’t.’
While social media slated Rapinoe, fans on the streets of New York were more sympathetic
Another older American agreed, claiming that Rapinoe was being used as a scapegoat for the USA’s exit.
‘I think she’s brilliant,’ he said. ‘I think she’s probably one of the best soccer players ever, male or female.
‘I think the minute you lose something, people start piling on you and complaining but I don’t think that’s right to do to her. She’s done great things for the sport.’
A young female fan also praised Rapinoe for the work she has done for the LGBTQ+ community.
‘I really like her,’ she said. ‘I think she’s done a lot to represent LGBTQ people and she’s just a great role model for female athletes.
However, not everyone was as empathetic with one man admitting that, while Rapinoe has done a lot for soccer there could be a time and a place for her to use her platform.
‘I think she’s pretty accomplished,’ he said. ‘I think she’s had quite the career. She’s retiring now, 38 is probably the right time. But she’s really lively, she brings a lot to the sport.
‘I think everybody has a right to an opinion. Obviously, she’s in the public eye, so it’s probably worth being a bit careful of what you say. But, personally, I don’t have a problem with what she espouses.’
Supporters across different generations backed the USWNT veterans and her campaigns
Another man claimed the 38-year-old has brought a lot to the sport of soccer
Meanwhile, although Americans appeared to surprisingly be more in Rapinoe’s corner that expected, an Australian tourist wasn’t as supportive of the USA star or the team in general.
The USWNT and Rapinoe were blasted by Stars and Stripes legend Carli Lloyd for dancing and celebrating after just sneaking out of the group stage.
And, watching the Women’s World Cup from the States, instead of her native Australia, where the tournament is being co-hosted alongside New Zealand, the Australian claimed the criticism was justified.
‘I think she’s been very honest in what she’s come out about the Women’s World Cup,’ she said. ‘We were watching it this morning. I think she’s very honest but I do think she’s got a place of when and where to say it.
‘There’s been a lot of talk about the American team in the media. I do think the way they’ve celebrated on and off the pitch probably isn’t the right move and certainly their comments on other teams.
‘I do think the criticism is justified. I think the way the celebrated when they were lucky to get through. And, I think quite honestly a lot of people were quite happy to see them lose in the end.’
Carli Lloyd was left stunned by USWNT players celebrating a 0-0 tie against Portugal
Other members of the team signed autographs for fans after the disappointing result
An Australian soccer fan claimed that the criticism of the USWNT and Rapinoe was justified
After the USA was knocked out, Rapinoe was seen crying alongside her devastated teammates.
Explaining her initial reaction afterwards, Rapinoe said: ‘That’s like a sick, sick joke. I’ve never hit it over, when I miss they are saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face.
‘I’m like, “You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me.” I’m going to miss a penalty? I mean, honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.’
Indeed, it had been five years since Rapinoe last missed a penalty, in a NWSL match, but this one proved far more costly as she was denied the fairytale finish to her international career.
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