Megan Rapinoe has confessed that playing for the US Women’s National Team can feel like the ‘worst job in the world’ as she hit back at critics of the team in a new Netflix series.
The recently retired superstar, who was a key player for the US as they won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, experienced her share of highs and lows while representing her country. Now, in the Netflix series ‘Under Pressure’, the legendary winger has reflected on her experiences with the ‘Stars and Stripes’.The high-point of her international career came as she scored the opening goal in their famous 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup final, earning her the Player of the Match award and the Golden Boot. However, her fortunes took a turn in the next tournament in 2023 when she missed a penalty kick, leading to their exit in the Round of 16 stage.
In the first episode of the documentary, she admits that the criticism was sometimes an ugly side to her former role: “I always say it’s the worst job in the world, because if you do your job, then you were supposed to, and if you do one hair less, then you are gonna get lambasted for it.”The 38-year-old star also reflected on her struggles at the last World Cup in Australia in a in a heartfelt address during episode one of the series. In a tournament to forget, Rapinoe and the US team failed to replicate their past successes, eventually being dumped out by their long-time rivals Sweden.
Despite the disappointment of her final World Cup, Rapinoe shared her philosophical outlook: “I think it’s just such a different feeling knowing that this is going to be my last World Cup, being kind of an old head and having a different role on the team,” she said. “It means a lot to me in a lot of different ways than the other ones did. Yeah, this one’s very special.”Her former USWNT teammate Abby Wambach also expressed her admiration for the ex-OL Reign star. She said: “I know that a lot of what the world knows of her is the way that she speaks out and speaks up for those who can’t.
“But I do think that we have lost the plot a little bit,” she revealed, emphasising that Rapinoe’s skills on the pitch are why her words carry so much weight. Wambach added: “Like, she’s a f-wordJulie Foudy, another two-time world champion, has praised Rapinoe for her contributions to the national team and her activism. She said: “Her ability to be bold and brave in the biggest of moments – on the field, off the field.”
“And that’s a gift, to have that combination of athletic prowess combined with this intellectual capacity and advocacy and empathy for people who are marginalized or undeserved and to be willing to speak out and do things that many wouldn’t have the courage to do.” excellent soccer player, always has been, and that’s why you listen to her.”
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