Megan Rapinoe, one of the star players of the US women’s soccer team, experienced an unexpected setback in the final match of the 2023 World Cup. Known for her precision when it comes to penalty shots, Rapinoe missed her chance to secure victory for her team. The New York Times reports that the usually confident player found amusement in the irony of the situation, describing it as a “sick joke” and a “dark comedy”. Despite the disappointment, Rapinoe expressed happiness for her teammates, highlighting the joy they experienced throughout the match.
This unexpected loss marks the first time in the history of the US women’s soccer team that they have failed to make it to the tournament’s semi-finals. Alex Morgan, another key player seeking her third World Cup title, shared the sentiment of devastation. “It feels like a bad dream,” Morgan said. “We dominated tonight, but unfortunately, it doesn’t matter.” Despite the disappointment, Rapinoe found solace in the dark humor of the situation, acknowledging that her tendency to joke inappropriately often leads to situations like this. She also reflected on the balance of existence, recognizing that even in moments of pain, she is reminded of her love for the game and playing for her team and country.