She went ‘full Ronaldo’ here.
When Iceland battled back to draw with Portugal at Euro 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo decried their small-time mentality.
At Rio 2016, Team USA were knocked out of the Women’s Soccer tournament and their goalkeeper, Hope Solo, went a couple of steps further.
Solo, who endured crowd abuse and indifferent form in these Olympic games, was incensed at the manner of her team’s exit. She felt Sweden were happy playing for a draw and was livid when those perceived tactics paid off with a shootout victory.
During that shootout, Solo held up proceedings at a crucial stage for a glove change that only managed to piss off the crowd and get no-one on her side. It mattered little as Lisa Dahlkvist blasted past Solo and her new gloves.
Post-match, Solo told reporters her side had played a courageous game and had a host of goal chances. She continued:
“I think we showed a lot of heart. We came back from a goal down, I’m very proud of this team. And I also think we played a bunch of cowards.
“The best team did not win today, I strongly, firmly believe that.”
Solo can also believe that few will miss her irascible presence in Rio.
Sweden coach Pia Sundhage certainly had an apt response:
Pia Sundhage's response to Hope Solo's cowards comment: I don't give a crap. I'm going to Rio, she's going home. (via @sportbladet). #USASWE
— Linda Eriksson (@Linda__Eriksson) August 12, 2016
