Pia Sundhage on Hope Solo comments: ‘I’m going to Rio, she’s going home’
Following United States goalkeeper Hope Solo’s controversial postgame comments after losing to Sweden at the Olympics, Sweden coach Pia Sundhage had some words of her own.
Sundhage coached the U.S. from 2008–2012, including a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics, and piloted her native Sweden to a win on penalty kicks Friday. Team USA was knocked out of the tournament with the loss and Solo called the Swedish team “a bunch of cowards,” citing their defensive-minded tactics. Her comments instantly caused controversy, and when asked, Sundhage didn’t mince words.
“I don't give a crap,” she told reporters. “I'm going to Rio, she's going home.”
Solo followed her initial comments with a statement to SI’s Grant Wahl.
Solo, 35, helped lead the United States to the 2015 World Cup title and also started in goal for the 2012 Olympic team that won gold.
Sweden will play the winner of Brazil and Australia on Tuesday in a semifinal match.
