For the first time, the Americans do not close their participation in Olympic football ascending to the podium.

The defending champions fell on penalties to Sweden after a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals of Rio 2016, and Hope Solo criticized their opponent's defensive attitude.

"I also think we played against a bunch of cowards; the best team did not win today, I firmly believe that."

The Swedes began celebrating, and captain Carli Lloyd kneeled on the grass of the Mane Garrincha Stadium. It was the first penalty shootout of this Olympic tournament.

Since women's football was incorporated into the Olympic program in Atlanta 1996, the Americans had always won some medal. Their worst performance dates back to Sydney 2000, when they settled for silver after losing to Norway in the final.

When Solo was told about what she had said, Swedish coach Pia Sundhage had a simple response.

"It's okay to be cowards if we win," she said.

Sundhage coached the US team for five years and guided them to the top of the podium in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Criticisms of her former coach's scheme were not the only controversy that Solo got involved in during the Olympic tournament. Spectators continued to shout "zika" every time she touched the ball. The goalkeeper had made comments on social media about that disease.

In another match, Germany eliminated China. Later, the quarterfinals were completed with the matches between Canada and France, and Australia and Brazil.