Megan Rapinoe: Usa Legend Courts Controversy After Appearing to Laugh After Missing Penalty

• Reigning World Champions USA are out of the Women's World Cup after defeat to Sweden via penalties
• The moment of the game came when US legend Megan Rapinoe skied her penalty, which ultimately proved costly
• The 38-year old'sWomen's immediate reaction was to laugh, and this ignited outrage on social media

US legend Megan Rapinoe earned herself fierce criticism on social media after appearing to laugh in the immediate aftermath of missing a penalty for her nation at the Women's World Cup.

The reigning champions came up against Sweden on Sunday, August 6, and were dominant in 120 minutes but were met by a stubborn Swedish defence throughout the game.

A goalkeeping masterclass from Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic also ensured the game meandered to penalties, and this is where everything went wrong for the US.

Three USA players missed their spot kicks, including the country's legend Megan Rapinoe as Sweden went on to win the game in extraordinary circumstances, as reported on Sky Sports.

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Rapinoe angers fans

Despite several USA stars missing their penalties, Rapinoe, who took the fourth spot kick, caught the world's eye for her reaction.

She stepped up to take her penalty, which she skied over the bar in Melbourne, and her immediate reaction appeared to show her in bouts of laughter.

Interestingly, as she jogged back to her teammates, she could still be seen smirking and laughing, which completely caught fans off-guard.

Here are some fan reactions :

"Megan Rapinoe will forever be remembered as an embarrassment to the United States.,"

"I'm generally a Megan Rapinoe fan, but laughing after a missed penalty is not a good look."

"Megan Rapinoe laughing after she missed a game-winning pk... never happier to see a player retire. Never want to see her on my tv again. What a way to end your career."

"Good! This group has a lot to learn in how a Team represents the USA. Fitting that Rapinoe missed the kick, too...Congrats Sweden."

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"Best thing that could have happened. May God cripple the pride and arrogance of this nation and bring forth His purposes. The road to greatness is marked with humility. Pride goes before the fall."

"Dark Comedy"

After the game, an emotional Rapinoe described the occasion as 'dark comedy' as she reflected on her career.

"This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game," she said as quoted on France24.

"I feel really grateful and joyful and I know this is the end and that is sad. This is the only time I have bene in one of these (losing on penalties at a World Cup) – it has been an honor."