Worldwide soccer is an unforgiving business, which is why Hope Solo won’t stop getting booed in Brazil any time soon, and why the taunts of “Zika” will likely be hurled in her direction as long as the United States remains in the Olympic tournament.
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Soccer star Hope Solo played an impressive game Wednesday during the US women’s football team’s Olympic debut, despite being booed and heckled by Brazilian fans at every move.
The controversial World Cup and Olympic champion has been outspoken about her concerns over traveling to Brazil due to the Zika virus. Before the Olympics got underway, Solo expressed some regret for previous comments, claiming the American media was tough on Brazil and gave her the wrong impression about the country. “Zika!” was also yelled at her during the game.
In response to the backlash, Solo revealed that she didn’t hear specifically that soccer fans jeered “zika” over and over inside Mineirão Stadium. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) even called for her to be dismissed from the soccer team.
“I actually spoke to three different infectious disease doctors and specialists”, she said.
The crowd will have another chance for that Sunday when the US plays France at the same stadium.
While some athletes have skipped the Olympics altogether because of Zika, Solo went to Rio, fully prepared to stave off the virus.
Solo created other controversy last summer at the Women’s World Cup in Canada after she was pressured by some reporters for details about her domestic-violence case in Washington state. She has earned Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012 and is now on the USA National Team, ranked first in the world heading to Rio.
During the game against New Zealand, the 35-year-old was booed whenever the ball came her way – with several reports saying “Zika!“. It’s part of the culture, so I expect it, but they’re having fun.
“I think the crowd only gets going when Hope has the ball”, Lloyd said about the atmosphere. The Americans are also vying to be the first team to win at the Olympics after winning the World Cup.
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But she was shown no mercy at the Belo Horizonte stadium, with fans making their feelings clear as the match wore on. It was the 101st shutout of Solo’s career, a US Soccer record.
