Hope Solo Calls Swedish National Team 'Cowards' After 2016 Rio Olympics Loss

For the first time since women's soccer was instituted at the Olympic Games in 1996, the United States won't be winning a medal after a shootout loss to Sweden at the 2016 Rio Games on Friday.

Goalkeeper Hope Solo, who has won two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup with the United States, didn't hold back with her postgame comments, per Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times: "We lost to a bunch of cowards. The better team did not win."

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl provided Solo's full quote as she explained why she labeled Sweden as cowards:

Solo took to Twitter to thank Wahl for providing the full context of her remarks while adding, "Losing sucks. I'm really bad at it."

Former American manager Pia Sundhage, who has been coaching Sweden since 2012, responded to Solo's comments, per Sportbladet (via Linda Eriksson of Women's Soccer Zone):

"

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 (@Wosozone_Linda) August 12, 2016"

Playing against the No. 1 team in the world with dangerous attackers such as Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, Sweden's game plan was to remain compact, bog the match down in the midfield at times and keep its back line rigid. 

It's a popular tactic for underdogs to play, frustrating the opponent while offensive chances could be presented on the counterattack.

Sweden executed to perfection, as FIFA's sixth-ranked team in the world took a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute when Stina Blackstenius slotted a low shot past a diving Solo.

Morgan drew the United States level in the 77th minute, and the game remained tied at 1-1 through extra time. 

Solo managed to make one save on five Swedish chances, but it wasn't enough as Morgan was denied by Hedvig Lindahl and Christen Press sent her penalty over the bar. 

While Solo can call Sweden whatever she wants, she'll have to resort to watching the final two rounds of the Summer Games on television instead of competing in them.