Megan Rapinoe breaks down in tears as USWNT is eliminated and her teammates furious over incredible VAR penalty decision
MEGAN Rapinoe broke down in tears after a controversial VAR penalty saw the USWNT eliminated from the Women’s World Cup.
The 38-year-old two-time world champion shot her penalty over the bar as Sweden advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout in Melbourne.
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Rapinoe started the fight on the bench and only came into play in overtime.
But she couldn’t keep her cool in a chaotic penalty shoot-out that saw five players miss the spot.
The loss makes this USWNT’s worst showing at a World Championship ever, never missing out on the semifinals.
After a lackluster 120 minutes of action, the game came alive during the shootout.
And VAR’s incredible intervention after Lina Hurtig’s crucial penalty kick left speechless US players on the pitch.
Rapinoe cried after the decision as the video tech assumed the ball had crept just a few millimeters over the line.
US captain Lindsey Horan gave an emotional post-game interview that dashed hopes of a third consecutive title.
She told FOX, “A lot went into that gig.”
“It was about being confident and patient. We played nice football today.”
“It’s part of the game. Penalties suck. You are cruel.”
“I’m proud of every player who took a penalty today. That’s brave.”
And football fans couldn’t believe the VAR drama they’d seen on social media.
One gasped: “That was the craziest shootout I’ve ever seen.”
Another wrote: “How was that so close??”
While a third said: “I’m so happy for them. Big win for Sweden.”
After winning 6-5 on penalties, Sweden now meet in-form Japan in the quarter-finals.
While US coach Vlatko Andonovski attributed the defeat to football being a “cruel” game.
He said: “I’m so proud of the team. So proud of the girls.”
“I know we were criticized in the group stage but we came out today and showed what we’re made of.”
“They showed the courage, the resilience, the fight, the guts.
“Unfortunately, football can sometimes be cruel.”