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A Rout Too Far? After 13-0 Win, U.S. Is Criticized and Defended

The University of Alabama football team has long been seen as one of the most dominant sports teams. Last season, Alabama defeated its regular-season opponents by a combined score of 588-165.

Enter the United States women’s national soccer team, which began play in the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday in France. The United States had 39 attempts on goal in the game, compared with Thailand’s two. The Americans possessed the ball for 75 percent of the match, completing 663 passes, compared with Thailand’s 209.

The United States took down Thailand, 13-0. Each of the 13 goals came with a fresh celebration and a growing debate on social media about whether the defending champions went too far.