Social media exploded with hashtags, memes, and never-ending arguments as the public processed the news.
One image that was very funny showed a soccer ball floating into the lake with the words, “Even Rapinoe’s reputation couldn’t make that penalty kick.”
The internet, which never fails to find comedy in the most tragic circumstances, had a great time. Some supporters fiercely defended Rapinoe,
Claiming that her career shouldn’t be defined by a single missed penalty shot, while others delighted in the irony of her “golden reputation” being damaged by a misdirected soccer ball.
The incident raised the issue of whether Rapinoe’s reputation was indeed built of gold or whether.
It was more akin to a delicate house of cards that may collapse at the first sign of wind. Naturally, the event’s media circus did what it does best, which is to capitalize on the drama.
