Swedish coach dismisses Solo's 'coward' remark: 'I don't give a crap'

by
Reuters

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Remarks from a bitter Hope Solo weren't enough to deflate the joy among Swedish players and the coaching staff after knocking the United States out of Rio 2016.

After the quarter-final fixture, an emotional Solo ripped Sweden's style of play, describing the team as "cowards" because of their defensive tactics and unwillingness to play "great soccer."

Related: Hope Solo calls Sweden 'cowards' after shocking upset

Solo's comments triggered a curt response from former U.S. coach and current Sweden manager Pia Sundhage, who held no punches while coming to her team's defense.

"I don't give a crap," Sundhage told reporters. "I'm going to Rio, she's going home."

The Scandinavian nation stunned the defending gold medalists by winning a dramatic penalty shootout that ended with the Swedes delivering a devastating blow to the Americans' hopes of capturing a record fifth gold medal.

Solo reached out to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl in an attempt to clarify her initial reaction to losing:

Sweden, who have never reached the Olympic semifinals before, will play the winner of Brazil and Australia's quarterfinal contest on Tuesday.

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