It would have been a bigger disrespect if USA had not celebrated all 13 goals | Eni Aluko

Criticism of the World Cup defending champions has been widespread since they thumped lowly Thailand by a record score in Tuesday’s group game

I have to say I’ve been surprised to see some of the reaction to the USA team’s celebrations during the 13‑0 win against Thailand. I think some of it is to do with the fact that they aren’t the most popular team out there – there’s this perception that the USA are arrogant and everything is excessive and over the top with them.

But there is also a perception that women’s football should be all hugs, smiles and kisses – people do not expect a level of ruthlessness they might see in the men’s game. That kind of win-at-all-costs attitude is perhaps something people don’t expect from women. There’s still that unspoken rule that everything should be all “nicely‑nicely” but listen: this is a Word Cup.

Related: The US scoring 13 against Thailand was great, the celebrations were not | Hope Solo

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