USWNT's massive win over Thailand sparks moral outrage on Twitter
The most lopsided match in Women's World Cup history had no shortage of detractors.
The United States women's national team romped to a 13-0 victory over Thailand on Tuesday, with Alex Morgan scoring a record five goals in a single game.
Twitter was uneasy with the way the USWNT celebrated each of its goals. Morgan counted her tally with her hands and Megan Rapinoe danced around the pitch after scoring her team's ninth goal of the evening.
Some onlookers had no problem with the score, while others criticized the Americans for their behavior.
For all that have issue with many goals: for some players this is there 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?
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 11, 2019
Not sure this is a good night for the Women’s World Cup. US can only beat opposition put in front of them, but rugby score lines are not a good look for an elite tournament.
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) June 11, 2019
TSN panel (one current & two former Canadian internationals) absolutely annihilating the goal celebrations of the US players late in the game, calling it ‘disgraceful’ and ‘embarrassing’.
— Eoin O'Callaghan (@EoinOCallaghan) June 11, 2019
Thailand just went over to its fans and god bless them. Bobby Bowden famously said, 'It's not my job to stop my team, that's your job.'. But part of me thinks wheeling away in celebration of goals No. 11, 12, 13 isn't right.
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) June 11, 2019
And what if goal difference ends up mattering in terms where the #uswnt finishes in the group? I don't have any problem with the U.S. running it up. The celebrations, IMO, were over the top, however. https://t.co/JRmXhjDIwP
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 11, 2019
That USWNT result did feel gross, but not because the USWNT did anything wrong. It's because FIFA and FAs don't do anything for women's soccer and allow disparities like that to exist.
— it's Tobin Tuesday (@lgbtqfc) June 11, 2019
Adding time when the game is 12-0? My word.
— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) June 11, 2019
You’re absolutely right to say it would have been patronising to Thailand to stop trying to score. I also think you can stop celebrating your goals after a while.
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) June 11, 2019
0.0 problem with the score line as this is THE tournament BUT celebrating goals (like #9) leaves a sour taste in my mouth like many of you. Curious to see if anyone apologizes for this postgame. #USWNT #FIFAWWC https://t.co/XfGh2e2Jms
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 11, 2019
However, Jill Ellis, head coach of the United States, came to the defense of her players:
Every word of this, Jill Ellis. Every word. "For these players, four years now some of them have been working, some of them even longer. ... I don’t find it my job to go and harness my players and rein them in. This is a world championship."
— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) June 11, 2019
Jill Ellis on the #USWNT running up the score and whether it was too ruthless: “Part of me is sitting here wondering, if this is 10-0 in a men’s World Cup, are we getting the same questions?” #FIFAWWC
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) June 11, 2019
The USWNT has another chance to increase its scoring margin against 39th-ranked Chile on Sunday.