The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) faced a heart-wrenching moment when Megan Rapinoe’s penalty kick went over the net, leading to their loss against Sweden in the 2023 World Cup.
Twitter saw a whirlwind of reactions following the match.
Rapinoe, known both for her prowess on the field and her political advocacy off it, missed a crucial opportunity to secure a win for the U.S. team. Some Twitter users, critical of Rapinoe’s past actions and statements, didn’t hesitate to comment on the miss.
Debates ensued online about the level of support the USWNT received from Americans, with some pointing to past controversies surrounding the team. The varied reactions underscored the team’s multifaceted relationship with its fan base.