USA women thrash teary Thailand by THIRTEEN goals as Alex Morgan and Co run riot to set new World Cup record
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THE United States women's team set a new World Cup record after thrashing Thailand by THIRTEEN goals to nil.
But while star striker Alex Morgan scored FIVE goals, Jill Ellis' squad were blasted for over-celebrating.
Viewers watching on TV and broadcasters did not hide their dissatisfaction at the apparent gloating, especially when Morgan led a team celebration with the substitutes when the score was into double figures.
Former Canadian midfielder and broadcaster Clare Rustad said on TSN: "I just think they could have won with some humility and grace, and they just couldn’t manage to do that.
"Celebrating goals later in the game like this is just completely unnecessary. What is this?"
And fellow Canadian Kaylyn Kyle fumed: "They’re the No. 1 team in the world and for me, I’m disgusted, honestly."
But Abby Wambach - who scored 184 goals in 256 games for the US - defended her compatriots.
She tweeted: "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?"
The previous record in a Women's World Cup match had been when Germany beat Argentina 11-0 in 2007.
For men, the record deficit has been nine goals.
Yugoslavia beat Zaire by that score in 1974, as did Hungary's famous team against South Korea in 1954.
Hungary had also beaten El Salvador 10-1 in 1982.
The score had been a relatively respectable 3-0 at half-time but the Thai women completely fell apart late on.
With 15 minutes remaining there score was only 7-0 but the USA went on to score six more goals in the final moments - putting the ball in with virtually every attack.
Along with Morgan's impressive return, Rose Lavelle scored two, as did Sam Mewis.
Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also got in on the action.
The ruthless performance from the Americans left some Thai players in tears - with Suchawadee Nildhamrong spotted crying at full-time.
Morgan somewhat made amends by consoling the victims of an American masterclass.
The thirteen goals were as many as Bolton Wanderers managed at home in 23 matches in the whole of last season.
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Morgan said: "Every goal matters in this tournament and that is what we were working on. We were really clinical in the attacks we did get.
"I am speechless. The ball just bounced my way today and I am looking forward to the next game.
"To see Rose Lavalle have the confidence to go at players, Sam Mewis taking on players and scoring from outside the box, they showed really well. I am really proud of them."
