Rio Olympics 2016: American goalkeeper Hope Solo trolled by Brazilians with boos and chants of “Zika”

AMERICAN goalkeeper Hope Solo was TROLLED by the locals at the first match of the Olympics – by booing and chanting “Zika”.

Prior to the games in Rio, the stopper uploaded pictures onto her Instagram showing her huge stash of mosquito repellent and a extra large mosquito hat for further protection.

And it seems the locals didn’t take too kindly to the 35-year-old’s precautions as she was jeered when the ball came to her.

Chants of “Zi-ka” were also bellowed from the stands every time she went to hoof the ball up field.

The goalkeeper managed to have the last laugh after her side beat New Zealand 2-0 thanks to goals from Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan.

Solo played down the hostility towards her by saying after the game: "The Brazilians love football, it's part of their culture.

"I expect it, they are having fun. At least it's loud in the stadium, I would rather have that than hear a needle drop."

The threat of the Zika virus has caused many top athletes to pull out of the games including golfer Rory McIlroy.

It is spread by a type of mosquito which can cause birth defects in babies if transferred to pregnant mothers.