Megan Rapinoe explains why she was laughing after missing crucial penalty kick at World Cup

Megan Rapinoe has revealed the reason behind her facial expression after missing a crucial penalty for Team USA at the World Cup.

After 90 minutes of play against Sweden and extra time, the score was locked at 0-0.

The ABC says there was an impressive 12 shots at goal during play, however no attempt managed to make it into the back of the net.

Sweden's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović set a tournament high on the number of saves made during the match with 11.

However, the lack of points sent the do-or-die clash into penalties at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Team USA was in front with 3-2 on penalties when Megan Rapinoe stepped up to shoot her shot.

Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, she kicked it too high and the ball went flying over the goal.

The retiring star of the United States football team turned and ran back to her teammates and people quickly noticed she was smiling.

Her reaction sparked anger on social media, with many questioning how she could be anything but devastated after missing the crucial penalty.

She has now explained what was going on inside her head.

The 38-year-old said: "That's like a sick, sick joke.

"I've never hit it over, when I miss they are saved. That's why I had that smile on my face.

"I'm like, 'You've got to be f***ing kidding me'. I'm going to miss a penalty?

"I mean, honestly, I can't remember the last time I missed."

Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Daily Mail says the 38-year-old hasn't missed a penalty in five years, so the reaction is understandable, especially at a moment like this.

In an interview with Fox Sports after the match, she reflected on how tough it was to finish her World Cup career like this.

"I thought we played really well, I am so happy for us that we went out playing the way that we did," she said.

"This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty. This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game.

"I felt really grateful and joyful and I know this is the end and that is sad. This is the only time I have been in one of these...it has been an honour."

It's the first time the United States team hasn't made it past the semi-finals at the World Cup, according to Fox.

It's also the first time since they haven't won a match since the 2011 final.

Sweden's win will see them face off against the 2011 champions Japan.

Topics: Sport

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie