— I mean, this is like a sick joke. For me personally, it’s a dark comedy that I missed a penalty. This is the counterbalance to the beautiful side of the game. I think it can be cruel, says the 38-year-old with tears in his eyes, according to AP.
Rapinoe had already decided before the WC in Australia and New Zealand to end her career completely later this year. This after a 17-year national team career with two WC golds and one Olympic gold. She was named the world’s best player in 2019.
It was Sweden that ruined the end of Rapinoe’s national team career. Sweden won in Melbourne 5–4 after penalties. The round of 16 exit is the earliest in tournament history for the USA, who have won the World Cup four times.