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BRASILIA, Brazil -- Cowardly or not, Swedens defensive strategy against the United States got the job done.The Swedes stymied the powerful American attack and advanced to the womens soccer semifinals at the Olympics, leaving the U.S. team empty-handed and with their earliest exit from a major tournament.Thats the best team in the world. But for once they didnt go the whole way through, Sweden coach Pia Sundhage said. They played more attacking football than we did. We defended very well. And the fact that it went to penalty kicks says something about our defending.Sundhage certainly knows the U.S. team. After all, she coached the Americans for five years and won gold medals at the Beijing and London Olympics. Current U.S. coach Jill Ellis was her assistant.The three-time defending champion United States had been the clear favorites in Brazil to become the first team to win an Olympic gold following a Womens World Cup title.After the loss, the attention fell on U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo for comments she made about Swedens tactics to go on the defensive, saying she thought they were a bunch of cowards.We had that style of play when Pia was our coach. I dont think theyre going to make it far in the tournament. I think it was very cowardly, Solo said. But, they won. Theyre moving on. And were going home.While the park the bus strategy is often debated in soccer, Ellis simply drew the inevitable conclusion that it was successful.The game is the game, so I think tactically thats the coachs prerogative, the coachs choice, Ellis said. They look at their personnel and they determine a game plan based on that. And I think to take us to penalty kicks is probably a good strategy, because then it becomes a crapshoot, right?Can I criticize or knock someone for their tactics? No, thats their choice.On Saturday, U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati told Sports Illustrated that Solos remarks were highly inappropriate and not in line with the expectations of U.S. Soccer or the ideals of the Olympic movement.At a news briefing in Rio de Janeiro, IOC spokesman Mark Adams described Solos outburst as disappointing. However, he added that people are free to say those things. We wouldnt stop their right to express themselves, within boundaries, obviously.Lost in all the postgame drama was the spectacular play of Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, who plays club soccer for Chelsea. The 33-year-old national team veteran turned away six shots on goal before prevailing in the shootout.Youve got to be pumped if you win against the world champions. Just playing against the U.S. on paper you think, `Oh my God, this is going to demand something special from me, Lindahl said. I think its something that happens automatically, you get really inspired and focused. It brings out the best of me, at least, when I play against the U.S.Sweden had only beaten the United States five times before Fridays quarterfinal meeting, which the team won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.The Swedes, who won bronze in 2004, face a considerable challenge in their next match against host Brazil and the countrys star player, Marta. The Brazilians defeated Australia on penalties.In the group stage, Brazil beat Sweden 5-1. Marta scored twice in that game, but more defensive tactics could be coming from Sweden.You always have to take into account the opponents, Sundhage said. We played against the world champions, so thats one reason we chose to play the way we did. Cheap Vikings Jerseys China . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Cheap Vikings Jerseys .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. http://www.cheapvikingsjerseyselite.com/ .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Cheap Vikings Jerseys Authentic . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. Cheap Minnesota Vikings Jerseys .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court.Englands Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola have been shortlisted for the World Rugby player of the year award. The Saracens trio account for half of the six nominations, with Irelands Jamie Heaslip and New Zealands Dane Coles and Beauden Barrett completing the list. England vs South Africa November 12, 2016, 2:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Recognition for Englands fly-half Farrell, lock Itoje and No 8 Vunipola comes after Eddie Jones side won the Six Nations Grand Slam and whitewashed Australia away from home. All three also contributed to an historic season for Saracens, who finished up as champions of England and Europe. Irelands Jamie Heaslip is another on the award shortlist Heaslip was part of the Ireland side that pulled off a first win over the All Blacks at the weekend, ending the world champions record 18-match winning run.ddddddddddddThat run of victories was achieved with the help of hooker Coles and fly-half Barrett. Ireland vs Canada November 12, 2016, 7:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: There is class in abundance on this shortlist. There is also a great mix of experienced, proven campaigners and exciting young talent.Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2pm. Catch all four of Englands Old Mutual Wealth Series fixtures for