As the current Women’s World Cup in France is the biggest ever, Hope Solo has been speaking to a lot of media outlets.
The iconic former United States goalkeeper appeared on BBC’s Football Daily Podcast, speaking to Dion Dublin about women’s football.
Among other topics discussed, Hope Solo baulked at the suggestion of making the goals smaller for the women’s game.
“I take great offense to the question. Every four years, every major tournament, this debate gets brought up. I take it very personally,” Hope Solo said.
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Decreasing the size of the actual pitch is something that female pros have called for. However, for the goalkeeping position, Solo says that women don’t need any help.
“It shouldn’t be suggested. I think it’s very sexist. Even if women are on board for it, it’s infuriating…
“How come we’re only talking about shortening the goal? How come we’re not talking about shortening the width or the length of the field? So if you want to compare men and women athletes, then compare them all around.
“But we’re comparing just the goalkeeper position. The field players aren’t as powerful as the men, not as strong as the men, not as fast as the men. But we’re not talking about the field size, we’re talking about the goal size. So right off the bat that’s just infuriating.
“Secondly, when you look at the scorelines of some of the top teams, the scorelines are just like any men’s scorlines. It’s 2 – 0, 1- 0, 3 – 1. It’s a very typical football scoreline. You’re not seeing these blowout games unless it’s one of the newer nations who are still growing.
“When you look at the top teams, you’re not seeing more goals go in, so don’t tell me that these goalkeepers can’t cover the goal.
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“What I think needs to happen is there has to be better goalkeeper training and coaches, and that is what I think is lacking in the women’s game.
“Also keep in mind that it’s about positioning. Perhaps I can’t cover the goal like a 6 foot 4 male keeper, but I know my positioning and I know what my body is capable of. So I change my positioning and I read the game as well as any male goalkeeper.
“It’s about knowing the game and knowing your body.”
