The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Sweden on penalty kicks. After being crowned champion in 2019, the team was surprisingly knocked out in the round of 16, and Megan Rapinoe said goodbye to the national team. In her last moments on the team, she missed a decisive penalty kick, and Donald Trump took the opportunity to criticize her.
Even though the reigning champions were once again the favorites to lift the trophy, a well-organized Sweden won the game despite not scoring any goals during regulation time. The goalless draw led to penalty kicks, and the tension was palpable.
BREAKING: Megan Rapinoe’s penalty kick just landed pic.twitter.com/xXb9ZYk4s8
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) August 6, 2023
After two successful shots per side, Gun Björn missed her shot, putting the North American team very close to qualification. When Rapinoe's turn came, the situation was decisive. Sweden was obliged to score all their remaining shots if she scored, which would put them in a difficult position. However, the American, who was on her way out of the national team, sent her shot over the crossbar to level the series that would end up favoring the Swedes.
"Nice shot, Megan"
Donald Trump took advantage of the situation to revive his rivalry with the 38-year-old midfielder, who spent time at clubs such as Olympique Lyon and O.L. Reign. The former president weighed in on the elimination on his Truth Social account, where he wrote, "The U.S. women's soccer team's 'shocking and totally unexpected' loss to Sweden is emblematic of what is happening to our great nation under Joe Biden."
“Nice shot Megan” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/RUGPvAJXLq
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 7, 2023
"Many of our players were openly hostile to America- No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close. WOKE EQUALS FAILURE. Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!!! MAGA," the Republican added, referring to the times the players refused to sing the national anthem.
The U.S. was crowned champion at the Women's World Cup in 2019 when Trump was still president. During the tournament, Rapinoe was asked by a reporter if she would go to the White House to celebrate an eventual championship. "I'm not going to the fucking White House. We're not going to be invited. I doubt it," she replied, prompting anger from the then-president.
"Megan should never disrespect our country, the White House or our flag, especially since so much has been done for her and the team. Be proud of the flag you carry," the Republican retorted on Twitter minutes later.
