'Dark comedy': Retiring Megan Rapinoe reflects on brutal World Cup exit

When the U.S. Women's National Team crashed out of the World Cup on Sunday by mere millimeters after a tense penalty shootout with Sweden, Megan Rapinoe could only shake her head and chuckle.

"This is like a sick joke for me," the 38-year-old said, per The Guardian. "This is a dark comedy that I missed a penalty. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game."

Rapinoe was one of two American players to miss her penalty shot in the shootout, the other being fellow veteran Kelley O'Hara. She is right to see both hilarity and tragedy in the situation. For her final kick as a USWNT player, Rapinoe — a woman who rose to fame with her coolness under pressure — missed a penalty as the final act of her playing career.

Rapinoe got her first USWNT cap in 2006 against Ireland. She's been a fixture in the national team since, traveling to four different World Cups and winning two of them. She is a unique figure in USWNT history, bridging two very different eras of the sport. 

Rapinoe played when women's soccer leagues couldn't survive in America. Nearly two decades later, with the National Women's Soccer League setting attendance records and celebrating its 10th anniversary, she's still here.

Tactical errors by U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski and brutal injuries to Becky Sauerbrunn and Mallory Pugh meant that dominating performances by the USWNT wouldn't be possible at the World Cup. But in the aftermath of the team's World Cup exit, Rapinoe received much of the blame for the Americans' poor showing. 

Rapinoe has almost always been a lightning rod for fans and foes of women's soccer. Her outspokenness and strong belief in her own talent have often rattled pundits. But Rapinoe is "grateful and joyful" for her World Cup experience.

"I know it's the end, and that's sad. But to know this is the only time I've been in a penalty shootout this early says a lot about the success I've been able to have, just how much I've loved being able to play for this team and this country," she said.

Rapinoe was never expected to be the best player on this World Cup team at 38. She was chosen for her experience and leadership. Andonovski used her as a substitute. Outlets painting the USWNT's demise as Rapinoe's doing are missing the obvious. She never would've been put in a position to miss a penalty if the USWNT had played better without her.

And while this exit will sting for Rapinoe, her career remains unimpeachable. She played a key role on two World Cup title teams. Plus, she was a champion for equal pay for men and women  American soccer players. 

Rapinoe did it her way, all the way — and it's been a privilege to watch her play.