Team USA's early exit from the World Cup has left veteran soccer player Megan Rapinoe reflecting on her team's impact off the field.
Despite missing a crucial penalty kick during the shootout against Sweden, Rapinoe found solace in the social activism that she believes has "changed the world forever."
When asked about a standout memory of how she has influenced Team USA over the years, Rapinoe, known for her left-wing views, pointed to the fight for equal pay with male players. She emphasized that the team has always fought for more than just victories on the field, stating, "To know that we've used our really special talent to do something that's really like changed the world forever, I think that means the most to me."
Rapinoe's penalty kick miss during the shootout against Sweden left her with mixed emotions. As she walked away, she looked downward and smiled, later explaining that it felt like a "sick joke." She expressed disbelief at missing the penalty, noting that she couldn't recall the last time she had missed one. Rapinoe also mentioned that this World Cup would be her last, as she plans to retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.
Entering the game as a substitute, Rapinoe's missed penalty kick was one of three unsuccessful attempts by U.S. players during the shootout. Ultimately, Sweden emerged victorious, marking the earliest World Cup elimination for Team USA.
Yahoo Sports highlighted the team's disappointing performance, noting that no U.S. team had ever finished worse than third in the Women's World Cup, and this year's team scored only four goals, the lowest in the tournament's history.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Rapinoe maintained that Team USA had played well. However, the team's off-field controversies, such as not singing the national anthem, have often overshadowed their on-field achievements.
This has led to a polarizing response from fans, with many expressing satisfaction at the team's elimination, similar to the reaction following their defeat in the 2021 Olympics.
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