USA goalkeeper Hope Solo branded Sweden’s football team as a “bunch of cowards” after the defending champions were dumped out of the Olympics.
Solo, who later confessed that she was a sore loser, launched the astonishing attack after Sweden claimed a penalty shootout win at the Mane Garrincha Stadium.
The veteran stopper continued her headline-grabbing visit to Rio with her extraordinary comments, which came moments after she claimed she needed to change her gloves as Lisa Dahlkvist stepped up to take the decisive penalty.
After waiting for a couple of minutes, Dahlkvist smashed home the kick to send the Europeans into raptures.
But it sparked rage from Solo as she completed her post-match media duty.
“I thought we played a courageous game. I thought we had many opportunities on goal,” she said. “I think we showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down, I’m very proud of this team.
But then she snapped: “I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today, I strongly, firmly believe that.”
Solo insisted that he comments were because of the style of play which was adopted by the Swedes.
“They didn’t want to open play,” she said. “They didn’t want to pass the ball. They didn’t want to play great soccer.
“It was a combative game, a physical game … And they tried to counter with longballs.
“I don’t think they’re going to make it far in the tournament. I think it was very cowardly. But they won, they moving on and we’re going home.”
She continued: “Tonight Sweden found a way to beat us. Nevertheless, I am so proud of the way we played tonight, our fight, our heart, and the skill we showed. Things don’t always go the way you want them to. Such is life, and such is sport.”
Solo later took to Twitter to address her comments and said: “losing sucks. I’m really bad at it.”
But her rant has not deterred Sweden coach Pia Sundhage, who said: “I don’t give a crap. I’m going to Rio, she’s going home!”
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