Sundhage appointed Sweden women coach

Pia Sundhage

STOCKHOLM, Sweden   ●   Pia Sundhage is returning to her native Sweden to coach the women’s national soccer team.

The Swedish soccer association said early Sunday that Sundhage had signed a four-year contract that starts Dec. 1.

The announcement came hours after Sundhage’s last match as coach of the U.S. women’s team, an 8-0 exhibition win over Costa Rica.

Sundhage led the Americans to consecutive gold medals and their first World Cup final in 12 years.

Sundhage said: “I have long dreamed of becoming Sweden coach and now I am so happy.”

She will replace Thomas Dennerby, who resigned last month.