Following a penalty shootout loss to Sweden, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) was ousted from the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.
After 120 minutes of regulation and overtime, the United States was eliminated by Sweden in the round of 16. The American team and spectators were shocked when the video replay showed that Sweden’s Lina Hurtig shot had crossed the goal line, despite the widespread belief that their goalie had stopped it.
The United States women’s national soccer team has won the event four times, more than any other country, and a victory this year would have given them their third straight title.
In a statement released on X, the USWNT acknowledged their appreciation for the fan’s loyalty and support.
Sweden eliminated the United States, the reigning champions, with a 5-4 win on penalties when referee Stéphanie Frappart ruled that Lina Hurtig’s goal had crossed the line.
Regarding shots on goal, the American women dominated the opening 90 minutes of standard time and 15-minute overtime periods. After 30 minutes of overtime resulted in a tie, the teams advanced to penalties, where Sweden prevailed with five goals to the United States’ four.
Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O’Hara failed to convert their penalty kicks, allowing Sweden to play Japan in the quarterfinals.
According to CNN, this game may have been Rapinoe’s last with the national team since she plans to retire after the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season.
Rapinoe is one of the most divisive athletes in the game.
A striker for the USWNT, she has spoken out in favor of males who identify as women, saying that they are women. She also noted that comedians like Dave Chappelle, who joke about transgender problems, contribute to an atmosphere of violence.
After the defeat, first lady Jill Biden wrote on X to thank the US Women’s National Team for making the sport meaningful.
Rapinoe was condemned by Megyn Kelly, presenter of the podcast The Megyn Kelly Show, over the women’s team’s actions while playing the national anthem. She said she wasn’t rooting for the squad.
Half of them won’t even put their hands over their hearts during the national anthem, Kelly noted, and the those that do sing aren’t giving it their all.
