The US women’s soccer team has been slammed for wildly celebrating every goal in their 13-0 defeat of Thailand.
The world cup favourites thrashed the minnows in Riems, France on Tuesday night and reacted to each goal as if it were their first.
Even the substitutes joined arms and jumped up and down with wide smiles – while Thai players were left in tears.
Commentators and fans on Twitter have described the jubilant celebrations as unsporting and even ‘disgusting.’
The US women’s soccer team has been slammed for celebrating every goal in their 13-0 defeat of Thailand.. Pictured: Midfielder Lindsey Horan celebrates with United States’ forward Megan Rapinoe
The world cup favourites thrashed the minnows in Riems, France on Tuesday night and reacted to each goal as if it were their first
Even the substitutes joined arms and jumped up and down with wide smiles – while Thai players were left in tears.. Pictured: US player Mallory Pugh celebrates one of 13 goals
Alex Morgan, left, comforts Thailand’s Miranda Nild, right, who cried after the thrashing in Riems on Tuesday night
Commentators and fans on Twitter have described the jubilant celebrations as unsporting and even ‘disgusting’.
On Canadian sports channel TSN, former Canada players Clare Rustad and Kaylyn Kyle blasted the US team.
‘I just think they could have won with some humility and grace, and they just couldn’t manage to do that,’ Rustad said.
‘Celebrating goals later in the game like this is just completely unnecessary. What is this?’
Kyle agreed, saying: ‘They’re the No. 1 team in the world and for me, I’m disgusted, honestly.’
Several fans on Twitter also made their feelings known.
‘I understand running up the score for goal difference but no need to celebrate every single goal like classless jerks,’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘Ok settle down USA… you’re up 11-0 against Thailand.’
Thailand players react with despair following their 13-0 loss to the United States in their Women’s World Cup
Alex Morgan of USA celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal to make it 12-0
Rose Lavelle celebrates with teammates after scoring one of her two goals on the day
But many fans disagreed and said criticism of the women was sexist
But many fans disagreed and said criticism of the women was sexist.
Former US player Abby Wambach wrote: ‘For all that have issue with many goals: for some players this is their first World Cup goal, and they should be excited.
‘Imagine it being you out there. This is your dream of playing and then scoring in a World Cup. Celebrate. Would you tell a men’s team to not score or celebrate?’
Fox Sports presenter Aly Wagner added: ‘It’s a World Cup. You score, you celebrate. This is a dream for these players.’
The women’s world cup kicked off on Saturday with host France beating South Korea 4-0.
The US’s victory sets the record for the biggest win in the tournament’s history, beating Germany’s 11-0 victory over Argentina in 2007.
Nattakarn Chinwong of Thailand is devastated after the humiliating defeat by the US
Players of USA celebrating their team’s first goal against Thailand in the world cup
Megan Rapinoe of USA celebrates with fans after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 preliminary round match between USA and Thailand in Reims
The U.S. took a 3-0 lead into halftime, but things really got out of hand over the first 12 minutes of the second half as the Americans padded their lead with another four goals.
Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the U.S. enjoyed a similar flurry at end the game, scoring six goals over the final 15 minutes of play.
Samantha Mewis and Rose Lavelle each added a pair of goals for the United States, which broke the record for goals and margin of victory in a World Cup game.
Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also scored. The previous record margin was Germany’s 11-0 victory over Argentina in 2007.
Morgan tied Michelle Akers’ record for World Cup goals, set in the quarterfinals against Chinese Taipei in 1991.
‘We really just came into the game really wanting to showcase ourselves,’ Morgan said. ‘Every goal matters in this tournament and that’s what we were working on.’
United States’ Mallory Pugh, left, takes the ball past Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing to score her team’s 11th goal
Alex Morgan of the U.S. celebrates scoring the tenth goal of the game