USA 13-0 Thailand: How many goals is too many?

On Tuesday, the USA were responsible for the biggest demolition job in the history of the Women’s World Cup.

As the Americans bagged their 13th - and final - goal of the game against tournament debutants Thailand, social media exploded with a mixture of shock, amazement, admiration and condemnation.

But as Jill Ellis’s World Cup holders and favourites burst onto the World Cup scene, it begged the question - how many is too many?

What is clear is that Ellis and co wanted to let the world know they meant business. The English-born coach was brimming with pride when she spoke to reporters post-match.

"It was awesome," said the 52-year-old. "You want your forwards hot in a tournament and it's a great start, especially for Morgan. Hopefully she carries it on through the finals.

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"I was in tears watching them. It verifies who we picked. It is about building momentum and that is part of the process.

"You want the players to leave with a good feeling. If they are in a good place mentally, that is a big step."

If Ellis was in tears, imagine how the Thailand team felt.

Saw of the most celebrate players in the world - the likes of Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe - were joyously celebrating goals late in the game, scenes which irked some observers.

Former Canada players Clare Rusted and Kaylyn Kyle were forthright in their condemnation.

"I just think they could have won with some humility and grace, and they just couldn’t manage to do that," said Rustad. "Celebrating goals later in the game like this is just completely unnecessary.”

“What is this?” added Kyle. “They’re the No. 1 team in the world. And for me, I’m disgusted, honestly.

“You’re going up against a team that’s their first time in the World Cup. They’re just happy to be there. ... I’m embarrassed.

“I was a female professional athlete. There are kids watching this.”

While there was no shortage of voices on social media questioning the necessity of scoring a baker’s dozen of goals, ex pros were quick to defend the US goal spree.

Abby Wambach played for the US with distinction between 2001 and 2015. The former striker was keen to stress that, for these American players, scoring a goal at the World Cup is the fulfilment of a life-long dream.

Former England striker and current Juventus star Eniola Aluko also defender the Americans, saying that it’s not their job to protect the pride of the Thailand team.

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