United States goalkeeper Hope Solo has slammed Sweden for their negative approach as they were knocked out of the Rio Olympics in the quarter-finals.

The USA arrived in South America as one of the favourites to win gold having reached at least the semi-finals of every major tournament they had previously appeared in.

However, that fantastic record was abruptly brought to an end by Sweden on Friday following a penalty shoot-out in Brasilia.

America boast four gold medals and one silver after competing at six Olympics events and Solo has fired shots at the European outfit for their tactics.

Sweden took the lead on 63 minutes through Stine Blackstenius at the Estadio Nacional de Brasília Mane Garrincha before Alex Morgan levelled the scoreline with 13 minutes left.

Solo insists she was proud of the team performance but labelled Pia Sundhage’s side as “a bunch of cowards”. “The best team did not win today,” Solo said.

“I’m very proud of this team. “But I also think we played a bunch of cowards. They didn’t want to open the game.

“They tried to counter with long balls. I don’t think they’re going to make it far in the tournament. I think it was very cowardly.

They’re moving on and we’re going home.” Sweden now face the unenviable task of trying to find a way past hosts Brazil in the semi-finals, who stand clear as the favourites to win gold after the elimination of the USA.

The Blagult have never made it past the last eight in five previous attempts at Olympic Games but will now have the chance to fight for a bronze medal at the very least.