The United States’ football team is reeling from its earliest ever World Cup exit, with critics back home pouncing on its surprise defeat to Sweden as evidence of a culture gone wrong.
The Americans lost in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday night, two two-time defending champions crashing out of the tournament in the round of 16.
The decisive penalty, scored by Sweden’s Lina Hurtig, appeared to have been saved by American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but the VAR system determined it had crossed the line by a single millimetre.
“We want to express our gratitude to the fans and supporters who have stood by our team. Your unwavering support means a lot to us. And we appreciate your dedication,” the US team said in a statement after the defeat.
“This year’s Women’s World Cup is a testament to the growth of women’s soccer on a global scale, and we are excited to see increased investment in these incredible players.
“Our goal remains the same, to win. We are committed to surpassing the standard we helped to create and we will rise to meet the challenge.”
The US had dominated general play throughout regular and extra time, with Sweden managing just a single shot on target in 120 minutes. However the score finished 0-0.
It was the second consecutive match in which the US had failed to score. The champions ended their group stage with a scoreless draw against Portugal.
While that result was enough to send America through to the knockout rounds, its players were criticised for the jubilant tone of their celebrations afterwards, smiling and dancing on the field.
That criticism reached boiling point in the early hours of Tuesday morning AEST as fans and pundits turned on their team for its unacceptably early World Cup exit.
Megan Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner who was desperate to end her career with another title, missed her spot-kick high and right of the goal before the Swedes sealed the deal 5-4 on sudden-death penalties.
The 38-year-old came under particular scrutiny after the match, with some fuming after she was seen smiling and laughing in the wake of her missed penalty kick on Sunday night.
“Megan Rapinoe laughing after she missed what could have led to a game winning pk (penalty kick)… never been happier to see a player retire. Never want to see her on my TV again. What a way to end your career,” one US soccer fan wrote on Twitter.
“Megan Rapinoe laughing after missing her PK will be in my nightmares. What a joke,” wrote another.
“Do you think Messi would be laughing if he shanked a penalty kick in this situation? Megan Rapinoe is a disgrace,” a third fan wrote.
Rapinoe was asked about her reaction to the penalty miss post game, with the retiring star insisting it was a moment of ‘dark comedy’ for her.
“It’s a tough one. There’s just some dark, dark comedy in me missing a penalty in my last game ever,” Rapinoe said after the game.
“I mean, that’s a sick joke. I just – yeah. I can’t believe it. I never even hit them over, ever, when they’re saved. So yeah, I mean, that’s just how it goes.”
Rapinoe also appeared to praised the US women’s soccer team for bringing more to the world than results.
“I think this team has always fought for so much more and that’s been the most rewarding part for me – to know that we’ve used our really special talent to do something that’s changed the world forever,” she said.
Another retiring star, midfielder Julie Ertz, said the team’s future was “in great hands”.
“Sometimes you learn the most from your failures, which sucks, but it’s part of my career as well. And unfortunately this is my last time in this crest,” she said, her voice breaking and her eyes welling with tears.
Sweden next face a Japan team who have been the sensation of the tournament so far. The 2011 champions eased into the last eight with a 3-1 win over Norway on Saturday.
“We were facing a really tough opponent today and somehow we managed to get to the penalty shootout, where we showed a lot of courage,” said Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Musovic, who was named player of the match.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls that we could go there and win the game. “It’s a huge win for us. I had a really good feeling before the game.”
England face Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday hoping to avoid another shock, before co-hosts Australia face Denmark in Sydney.
– with AFP
