Megan Rapinoe breaks down in tears as USWNT crash out as teammates rage at amazing VAR penalty decision
MEGAN Rapinoe was left in tears after a controversial VAR penalty call saw the USWNT crash out of the Women’s World Cup.
The two-time World Cup winner, 38, blazed her penalty over the crossbar as Sweden advanced following a dramatic shootout in Melbourne.
Rapinoe had started the contest on the substitutes bench and entered the fray in extra time.
But she was unable to keep her cool in a chaotic set of penalties that saw five players miss from the spot.
Defeat makes this the USWNT’s worst-ever World Cup appearance, having never failed to make the semi-final stage.
After a lackluster 120 minutes of action, the game burst into life during the shootout.
And VAR’s incredible intervention on Lina Hurtig’s winning penalty saw speechless USA players break down on the field.
Rapinoe was in tears after the decision, with the video technology deeming the ball to have snuck over the line by a matter of millimeters.
USA captain Lindsey Horan gave an emotional interview following the game, which ended hopes of a third-straight title.
She told FOX: “A lot went into this performance.
“It was about being confident, patient. We played some beautiful football today.
“This is part of the game. Penalties suck. They are cruel.
“I’m proud of every player who took a penalty today. It’s courageous.”
And soccer fans could barely believe the VAR drama they had witnessed, taking to social media.
One gasped: “That was the craziest shootout I’ve ever seen.”
Another wrote: “How was that so close??”
While a third said: “I’m so happy for them. Big win for Sweden.”
Following their 6-5 shootout victory, Sweden will now face in-form Japan in the quarter-finals.
While US coach Vlatko Andonovski put the loss down to soccer being a “cruel” game.
He said: “I’m so proud of the team. So proud of the girls.
“I know we were criticized in the group stage but we came out today and showed what we’re all out.
“They showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery.
“Unfortunately soccer can be cruel sometimes.”