U.S. women lose; Solo sounds off on Sweden

BRASILIA, BRAZIL — Taunted by local fans since the Olympics began and stinging from a surprising loss, Hope Solo called Sweden a “bunch of cowards.”

The U.S. goalkeeper criticized the Swedes for the way they played Friday in beating the Americans in a penalty shootout — a result that means the world’s top-ranked team will miss out on a medal in women’s soccer for the first time.

“I thought we played a courageous game,” Solo said. “I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly and firmly believe that.”

The Swedes beat the U.S. 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals. They will next face either Australia or host Brazil.

“It’s OK to be a coward if you win,” responded Sweden coach Pia Sundhage, the same woman who coached the United States to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.

A few hours after the match, Solo posted on Twitter and seemed to feel some remorse, but she stopped short of apologizing.

“Losing sucks,” Solo tweeted. “I’m really bad at it.”

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