Hope Solo calls Sweden 'cowards' after shocking upset

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After the United States, the three-time defending Olympic champion, was bounced from Rio 2016 in a shootout loss to Sweden in Friday's tense quarterfinal encounter, polarizing goalkeeper Hope Solo sounded off on the Swedes for their defensive style of play.

Related: U.S. ousted from Rio 2016 with stunning shootout loss to Sweden

"I thought that we played a courageous game. I thought we had many opportunities on goal. I think we showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down. I'm very proud of this team," Solo told Grant Wahl after the 4-3 loss on penalties.

"But I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team didn't win today. I strongly believe that."

When asked to elaborate, Solo responded with the following:

"Sweden dropped off. They didn't want to open play. They didn't want to pass the ball. They didn't want to play great soccer. It was a combative game, a physical game. Exactly what they wanted and exactly what their gameplan was.

"They didn't try and press. They didn't want to open the game. And they tried to counter with long balls ... I don't think they're going to make it very far in the tournament. I think it was very cowardly. But they won. They're moving on, and we're going home."

Those last few words are all that matter, in the end; something not lost on Swedish bench boss Pia Sundhage.