Social media sounds off on Hope Solo’s controversial comments
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The U.S. women’s national soccer team crashed out of the Rio Olympics Friday, falling to Sweden in penalty kicks, and goalkeeper Hope Solo was … less than pleased.
After the game, Solo criticized the Swedes’ defensive game plan, going as far as calling them “a bunch of cowards.”
Full Hope Solo quote on Sweden after US was eliminated from the Olympics today. pic.twitter.com/UZVCAeur6m
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 12, 2016
Solo’s comments, far from her first controversial moment on the U.S. national team, immediately sent shockwaves through the Twitterverse.
Former U.S. captain Julie Foudy was swift in her admonishment of Solo.
Shaking my head. https://t.co/FK3ofCcDdG
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) August 12, 2016
Or…. it is called the tactics of an outmatched team. Has been going on for centuries. Sorry to break the news. https://t.co/xEDJOyCTcu
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) August 12, 2016
Tony DiCicco, who coached the U.S. women to Olympic gold in 1996 and a World Cup in 1999, and former U.S. men’s national team star Alexi Lalas also chimed to push back against Solo.
Sweden outplayed but NEVER cowards.They showed fantastic courage vs World No.1 team #USAWNT Both teams did! #Rio2016 https://t.co/9j8dssMqMq
— Tony DiCicco (@tonysocc) August 12, 2016
The best teams in the world have to deal with inferior opposition that bunkers in and defends. But they don’t call them cowards.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 12, 2016
And Brazilian fans were delighted at the opportunity to poke fun at Solo, who had previously made headlines with her statements on the Zika virus. “Here’s Hope Solo on your [timeline] with her medal repellant” reads one meme:
Hope Solo passa na sua TL com seu repelente de medalhas!pic.twitter.com/tCQkfiLGJa
— Alisson Lima (@a_lima19) August 12, 2016
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