US goalkeeper Solo downplays problems in Brazil

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - Hope Solo is blaming the American media for spreading fear about the Zika virus and other problems ahead of the Rio Games.

Hoping to lead the U.S. to their fourth straight gold medal, Solo had expressed her own concerns before the Olympics.

"We haven't made it to Rio yet and I have no idea what to expect in Rio, but it's been beautiful here," Solo said ahead of tomorrow's opener against New Zealand, to be played in the same city where the U.S. men upset England in the 1950 World Cup.

"It's a little bit unfortunate because I think the American media has been really tough on people of Brazil," Solo said. "I feel a little bit bad because when you come here you learn for yourself. I think that we've been very hard on the local people."

The Americans are trying to win a title for the second straight year following last year's triumph in the Women's World Cup. Solo, in her third Olympics, said it seemed problems in Brazil were being blown out of proportion by media in the U.S.

"You look back in 2004 in Greece, and the same thing there, bad publicity surrounding the games, and China as well," said the 35-year-old from Richland, Washington. "I don't know why, but we like to sensationalise everything and scare people and then ... when the games go on, everything goes on as planned, ends up being a beautiful tournament. And I expect no less here."