The absence of Megan Rapinoe from the USA starting team for last night's World Cup semi-final victory over England was one of the major talking points before and during the match. That was due to there being no explanation immediately forthcoming.
The 33-year-old has been a prominent figure during the tournament, scoring five goals, including both in the USA's 2-1 quarter-final victory over hosts France.
Off the pitch, she has been a vocal critic of US president Donald Trump, saying last month that should her team win the World Cup, that she's "not going to the fucking White House".
Her omission from last night's game was due to injury.
"It's just minor hamstring, not even a strain really, but not really able to go today," Rapinoe explained after the game.
It felt like it wasn't going to hold up so... it just felt like this was the best option for the team.
I'm expecting to be fit for the final and ready to go.
USA won the last-four game 2-1 thanks to goals from Christen Press and Alex Morgan. Ellen White equalised for England in between.
There was drama late in the match when England's Steph Houghton saw her 84th minute penalty saved by US keeper Alyssa Naeher.
"Holy shit, That was just a huge moment! I was stressed out I couldn't even move," Rapinoe told reporters.
"To come up big in that moment, for herself personally but for the team as well is just so massive. It can't be overstated."
USA await the winners of tonight's semi-final between Netherlands and Sweden.
- With reporting by AFP
Picture credit: Shutterstock.com
