The U.S. national team’s opening game Tuesday in the World Cup left little room to dispute that it will be a major force in the tournament. However, the 13-0 rout of Thailand did spark a debate over whether the American players did too much celebrating of their many goals.
While there were differences of opinion about at which point it became unsporting to continue the displays of exhilaration, many cited Megan Rapinoe’s tally that gave the U.S. a 9-0 lead in the 79th minute.
The 33-year-old winger, serving as team captain Tuesday, followed her score by joyously twirling and sliding to the turf before joining teammates on the sideline for an ecstatic group hug.