Megan Rapinoe has admitted playing for the USWNT can be the worst job in the world as she took aim at the team’s critics despite her success at international level.
The one-time Ballon d’Or winner formed an integral part of the all-conquering American teams of the last decade as they twice became world champions. The 203-time appearance maker has experienced soaring highs and crushing lows during her storied career representing her country.
Scoring the US’ opener during their famous 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the World Cup final in 2019, she was named the Player of the Match and picked up the Golden Boot for her efforts in the tournament. However, her luck would not continue into the next tournament in 2023 as she missed her spot-kick in the penalty shootout as they were dumped out at the Round of 16 stage.
Now, the legendary winger has reflected on her ups and downs while on duty for the ‘Stars and Stripes’ in as part of the tell-all Netflix series ‘Under Pressure‘. During episode one of the documentary, she admitted: “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.”In a wide-ranging address to camera, the retired 38-year-old superstar also reflected on her toils at the last World Cup in Australia. The US struggled to match their success of previous years as they were eventually were put to the sword by perennial rivals Sweden to cap off an underwhelming showing Down Under.
However, despite her final World Cup ending in heartbreak, Rapinoe has now taken a philosophical view of how things played out: “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.”Former USWNT teammate Abby Wambach also revealed her admiration for the former OL Reign favorite as she paid tribute to her ex-teammate. 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.
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