US women's soccer team faces criticism for celebrating 13-0 blowout against Thailand in World Cup
The U.S. women's national team has come under fire for poor sportsmanship after recording the blowout in the tournament's history during their opening game in France.
The U.S. Women's World Cup soccer team's 13-0 rout of Thailand should be a non-controversial record win, according to Katie Pavlich.
The team should not have been criticized for appearing to run up the score and for continuing to celebrate each goal Tuesday, Pavlich said on "The Five."
"This is the big leagues. You've got to win and you've got to win hard and early," she said Wednesday.
US WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TEAM COMES UNDER CRITICISM FOR CELEBRATING GOALS IN BLOWOUT
Pavlich echoed comments from U.S. women's team coach Jill Ellis, who responded to criticism by telling reporters it is "respectful" to opponents to continue to play hard, no matter the situation.
"I agree with the coach," she said.
Ellis went on to further defend her team, saying because it is a tournament, "goal differential is key," referring to how the breadth of a team's win may work in their favor should they reach a tie-breaker.
United States' Megan Rapinoe, right, congratulates teammate Alex Morgan after scoring her fifth goal during the Women's World Cup Group F soccer match between the United States and Thailand at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, France, Tuesday, June 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Fellow "The Five" host Kennedy added the team is a great group who should be able to celebrate however they'd like.
"I also love the United States of America. I think the U.S. Women's national team is phenomenal. When they celebrate every goal how much they want this, how important it is to them and how they work for this their entire lives and careers," she said.
"Alex had five goals and three assists. It means something to them. For them to celebrate as Americans, we should be high fiving along with them," she continued, referring to player Alex Morgan.
Tuesday's score was the biggest blowout in the tournament's history.
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