Following the USWNT’s loss in penalty kicks to Sweden on Sunday in Melbourne, there was plenty of backlash from the team’s supporters. But although the U.S. fell 5-4 in penalties after a 0-0 draw through regulation and extra time, forward Megan Rapinoe and manager Vlatko Andonovski received much of the early reaction, and there were virtually no positive vibes being sent to either.
Andonovski already had received backlash from supporters for numerous decisions during the team’s mediocre performance during group play. But his decisions in the round-of-16 loss to Sweden came with immense scrutiny from the fan base. For Rapinoe, a picture can be worth a thousand words.
Anyone that takes this as she doesnt care is wrong. This is a laugh of doubt and your worst nightmare becoming true. This is the face of someone who just realize the last kick of her career could be that missed pk. Its weirdly comical that but it hurts all the same. Defeat #USWNT pic.twitter.com/Hx0J6IGdF6
— DannyxBoi (@DannyxBoi4422) August 6, 2023
Rapinoe’s struggles after being subbed in late during the match against Sweden drew heat from fans on social media, and the team’s manager wasn’t far behind in the comments from fans.
The US women have been knocked out of the World Cup!
— 1776 (@TheWakeninq) August 6, 2023
Megan Rapinoe was a major reason they lost.
She absolutely shanked her penalty kick.
The keeper didn't have to make a save 😂 pic.twitter.com/ac48i3KERZ
That Rapinoe sub will go down as one of the biggest blunders in US soccer history! Three terrible corners, terrible free kick and a lack luster penalty! Oh well three Saturdays till CFB! #USWNT
— Josh Mooney (@thejoshmooney) August 6, 2023
Since Megan Rapinoe has come in for the #USWNT in the #USAvSWE match... she's fumbled a 1v1 out of bounds, missed a shot rebound, and kicked a corner into the side netting.
— Brad Groux (@BradGroux) August 6, 2023
It has been four minutes... https://t.co/NguDhHw2bm
Rapinoe: "I missed the goal by this much" #swevusa #SWEUSA pic.twitter.com/HwSbrO0lsN
— macho bellied (@mibo612) August 6, 2023
Everyone watching Rapinoe kick those 3 corners #USWNT #USA #USAvSWE pic.twitter.com/8lV0QuXAqi
— Cloud9ineDreams💫 (@Cloud9ineDreams) August 6, 2023
This #USWNT coach is horrible. His offensive scheme doesn’t work. The Megan Rapinoe sub for Alex Morgan was the worst cuz she didn’t do ANYTHING on the field and completely failed on what should’ve been the PK to move @USWNT to the next round. Fire this coach!!!
— Reese (@Prudencio625) August 6, 2023
Vlatko’s inept in-game subs, refusal to use young talent like Ashley Sanchez, the misuse of Alex Morgan at the tip of a front 3, his loyalty to Andi Sullivan… all of that mattered more without Swanson, Becky, Macario, Mewis, Press.
— Neil W. Blackmon (@nwblackmon) August 6, 2023
The #USWNT deserved better from their coach https://t.co/J6SUtVjJYj
… Too soon? 😬 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/XMV279OGut
— Lip-balm Lover Capo Natty Blaze™ (they/she) (@natalieblazo) August 6, 2023
