Sweden's women's football team looked ahead on Wednesday (17th August) to facing Germany in the Olympic final after dispatching host nation Brazil on penalties in the semi-final.

Sweden are aiming for gold as they prepare to face Germany in the Olympic Women's Football Final.

The side have got there the hard way, having beaten the USA and Brazil in penalty shootouts.

The United States, the defending Olympic Champions and 2015 World Cup winners, reacted particularly badly to their early exit with goalkeeper Hope Solo arguing that the Sweded used negative tactics in their match.

Her opinion was of little concern to Magdalena Ericsson as Sweden continue their quest for a first ever Olympic football medal.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Magdalena Ericsson, Sweden defender:

on comments made by USA's Hope Solo of Sweden's style of play after they knocked out the defending champions)

"Yes I don't really care about that. I think that defence is as big (a part) of football as attacking so I don't care about what she (Hope Solo) said. She is a sore loser and I understand her feelings (of disappointment) but I think that it's really poor of her to say that about us."

While Sweden may have scored few goals, the exploits - and bravery - of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl has won them both headlines and plaudits and effectively kept them in the competition.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Magdalena Ericsson, Sweden defender:

"We felt really confident that we were going to win and we have what I think is the best goalkeeper (Hedvig Lindahl) in the world and that's also a big confidence (boost) in itself."

Rightly, the side aren't satisfied with a guaranteed silver medal but ahead of them is a talented German outfit.

They beat Canada 2-0 in their semi-final and will be looking for glory in what is coach Silvia Neid's last tournament before retiring.

The match takes place in the iconic Maracana on Friday (19th August).