United States star Alex Morgan defended her team’s joyous celebrations on Wednesday after the holders began their defence of the women’s World Cup with a record 13-0 demolition of Thailand.
The US team scored 10 goals in the second half in Reims on Tuesday as they bettered Germany’s 11-0 win over Argentina in 2007 and shattered their own previous tournament best of 7-0.
Morgan grabbed five goals while Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis netted twice each and Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also got on the scoresheet in the Group F encounter watched by more than 18,000.
“I think it’s disrespectful if we don’t show up and give our best and play our game for 90 minutes,” Morgan told ESPN.
“It’s disrespectful to the Thai team. And I believe they wanted us to play them straight up.”
But the Americans’ wild goal celebrations in such a one-sided game were not to everyone’s taste.
“And for the celebrations, these are goals we have dreamt of our entire life,” said Morgan, who matched a record set by her compatriot Michelle Akers by scoring five times in a World Cup game.
“I mean, I’m going to celebrate Mal Pugh’s goal. I’m going to celebrate Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle. This is their first World Cup and I’m so proud of them.
“And I couldn’t have dreamt of scoring five goals in a World Cup. So it’s incredible for us all and I’m happy just ignoring those comments.”
Former Canadian international player Kaylyn Kyle, working as an analyst for Canada’s TSN at the tournament, was unwavering in her criticism of the US.
“As a Canadian we would just never ever think of doing something like that ... For me it’s disrespectful, it’s disgraceful,” she said on air.
‘Classless winners’
Kyle said later on social media she had received death threats for her comments, but repeated that she felt the Americans’ celebrations were “excessive and disrespectful”.
Many Twitter users also criticised the show of joy with the hashtag “Ugly Americans”.
“A classless winner is worse than a sore loser, regardless of gender,” said one tweet.
USA Today columnist Nancy Armour was unapologetic.
“Take the pearl clutching and righteous indignation somewhere else. This is the World Cup, not a rec league tournament,” she wrote.
USA coach Jill Ellis hit back at suggestions her players could have eased up and spared 34th-ranked Thailand complete humiliation.
“This is a world championship so every team that is here has been fantastic to get to this point. To be respectful to opponents is to play hard against opponents,” Ellis said.
Captain Megan Rapinoe said her team had been overjoyed at setting the record score but insisted they did respect all their opponents.
“We always want to have any world record and anything we can get over the Germans, we’ll take it,” Rapinoe said. “Obviously we have the utmost respect for everyone we play, but it’s the World Cup.”
Thailand’s deflated coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien said she had no excuses, adding: “We accept that they are better.”
Chile are the next to face the US firepower on Sunday in Paris, while it won’t get much easier for the hapless Thais with 2003 runners-up and Olympic silver medallists Sweden their second opponents in Group F.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!