(BBC) – It was not the ending Megan Rapinoe had planned.
She went so far as to call it “dark comedy” and a “sick joke”, such was her dismay.
After 17 years of putting herself on the line for the Stars and Stripes, the two-time Women’s World Cup winner was in tears as she departed the global stage for the final time.

On Rapinoe’s 202nd appearance for the USA, the defending world champions dramatically lost, 5-4, on penalties to Sweden after a last-16 goalless draw in Melbourne.
Rapinoe, 38, ranks among the most successful players of her generation, and announced before the tournament she would be retiring at the end of the season.

With the USA leading, 3-2, on penalties on a tension-filled night, substitute Rapinoe missed her spot-kick before Sophia Smith and Kelley O’Hara also failed to score in the shootout.
When Lina Hurtig converted the decisive penalty by the finest of margins, eliminating the four-time world champions, Rapinoe was overcome with emotion.

The Olympic gold medal winner hoisted up her shirt in an attempt to hide her face.
Ten minutes after the game, the television cameras picked out Rapinoe being consoled by team-mate Lynn Williams, after the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner’s dream of ending her USA career on a high were dashed.

“This is like a sick joke,” said Rapinoe. “For me personally, I’m just like, this is dark comedy. I missed a penalty.”
Despite the result, Rapinoe bows out a genuine American footballing icon.
Having made her international debut in July 2006 in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in San Diego, she established herself as one of most prominent players in the history of the United States women’s national team.

After appearing in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions, this was her fourth World Cup. Rapinoe helped establish the USA as the dominant force in the women’s game, scoring in the 2019 final as the Stars and Stripes secured back-to-back world titles.
That triumphant night in Lyon four years ago, however, seemed a long time ago, as a sad Rapinoe, who was named women’s player of the year at the 2019 Best Fifa Awards, waved one last time to USA fans before disappearing down the tunnel.
Rapinoe did not start any games at this World Cup, making three substitute appearances, and spending a total of 77 minutes on the pitch.