View From The Field: Ward’s Words (Helen Ward column)

Helen Ward opens by refusing to discuss Team GB’s absence from Rio, saying there is not a lot she can say about it. She is direct about Hope Solo’s reaction to the United States’ exit: a wonderful player who should always be applauded, but whose comments showed a lack of respect to Sweden and were unjustified, and who as a role model to youngsters should be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Her own prediction of an American gold was wrong, though she had tipped Sweden as the surprise package under Pia Sundhage. She then reports a six-day Wales camp with two friendlies against Ireland and a team-building escape room her own team failed to escape.