women soccer
Last World Cup: Rapinoe disappointed and grateful after an early US exit
Megan Rapinoe (r) and her teammates from USA react after being eliminated on penalties. photo
© Scott Barbour/AP/dpa
Megan Rapinoe’s last World Cup ended in a huge disappointment. The 38-year-old still makes her peace with it. The teammates expect a lot from the next phase of the US star’s life.
Soccer Superstar Megan Rapinoe looks back on her career with gratitude despite the disappointment of losing to the USA early at their last World Cup.
“I would have wished that we had progressed and that I could have guaranteed the title,” said the 38-year-old after the World Cup failure in the round of 16 against Sweden. “But it doesn’t take away from that experience or my career in general. I’m so happy and grateful to have played for such a long time and in such successful teams.”
Defending champions and record winners USA were eliminated at the women’s World Cup with a 4:5 penalty shootout. Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelley O’Hara had forgiven from the point. It was the last big tournament for Rapinoe. She is sad but ready for the end of her career, Rapinoe said. “I’ve made my peace with it. It’s sad, but it’s ok,” said the offensive player. “I’ve loved every moment of my career. I’ll miss it to death, but it feels like the right time.”
Team colleague: “It was a journey with her”
Rapinoe has scored 63 goals in 202 caps for the United States since her debut in 2006. She was twice world champion, won the Olympic gold medal and was voted world player. “It’s been a journey with her,” said defender Julie Ertz, who comforted the crying Rapinoe with her teammates after the final whistle in Melbourne. “She’s been an incredible player for so long.” For the USA, the knockout round at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand was the earliest failure at a World Cup so far.
Rapinoe also gained worldwide fame through her commitment away from the green lawn. In 2012, she was one of the first footballers to publicize her homosexuality. She later became the first white female athlete to take a knee during the national anthem to protest racism. From 2019 she fought with some fellow players in court to ensure that US women received the same amount of money from the association as men. “There aren’t enough words for Megan and her impact on the sport,” said forward Lynn Williams, citing her commitment to equality and human rights. “I can’t wait to see what she will do in her next career.”