The chasm between women's soccer elite and developing programs has narrowed some in recent years, but in many embarrassing cases, the division remains as wide as oceans, even in a World Cup.
That gap was on full and frightening display on Tuesday as the US national team began its quest for a second consecutive trophy with a 13-0 demolition of Thailand – the most lopsided victory in World Cup history.
And it could have been worse.
Alex Morgan tied the program record with five goals, and Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis scored two apiece as the top-ranked Americans surpassed Germany's 11-0 rout of Argentina in 2007.
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Michelle Akers is the only other American to post five goals in a World Cup match (in 1991).
This match never figured to be competitive, what with the United States seeking their fourth championship and the Thais playing their fourth World Cup match ever.
Once the Americans found their groove – it didn't take long – they were relentless and ruthless before 18,591 witnesses at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
United States' scorer Samantha Mewis lifts her teammate Megan Rapinoe as she celebrates her side's fourth goal.Credit:AP
A 3-0 half-time lead turned into a seven-goal margin nine minutes into the second half. Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also scored for the United States, who have won seven consecutive matches, the past five without conceding a goal.
Morgan's third goal, a 17-yard shot after using clever footwork in tight space, exceeded the previous US team scoring mark in a World Cup of 7-0 against Taiwan in the 1991 quarter-finals.
Chile – first-time entrants who gave Sweden fits Tuesday before falling to a 2-0 loss – will brace for the United States on Sunday in Paris. A US victory would secure passage to the round of 16.
With a vast majority of the crowd backing them, the Americans took the field with all of the expected starters, except one: Centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn was held out for precautionary reasons because of what team officials described as a mild quadriceps injury.
United States' Alex Morgan, left, comforts Thailand's Miranda Nild, right.Credit:AP
She is in the running to start on Sunday at the Parc des Princes.
In Sauerbrunn's absence, defensive midfielder Julie Ertz dropped back into her former position and paired with Abby Dahlemper. Ertz's slot was filled by Mewis, who figured to start at times in this tournament.
Dahlkemper and Mewis were among six US starters making their World Cup debuts, though given their extensive service, there was no fear of jitters.
With a pronounced height advantage, the United States showed at kickoff they would throw players forward. Looking more like an NFL team than a soccer unit, seven players bolted off the centre stripe.
Thailand defended admirably for a dozen minutes – a Morgan goal was also disallowed because she was offside – before relenting to pressure.
Rapinoe's cross from the end line was redirected to Kelley O'Hara a the top of the box. The right back surged past one player before chipping a cross to Morgan in a pocket between two defenders.
Under no pressure, Morgan angled a header into the left corner.
Eight minutes passed before the next goal, a play that began in the US end and ended with a strike from distance.
O'Hara launched a long ball to Morgan, who settled it with her back to the goal and slipped a pass ahead to Lavelle for a left-footed, 23-yard smash that eluded diving goalkeeper Sukanya Chor Charoenying.
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Australian Breaking News Headlines
The chasm between women's soccer elite and developing programs has narrowed some in recent years, but in many embarrassing cases, the division remains as wide as oceans, even in a World Cup.
That gap was on full and frightening display on Tuesday as the US national team began its quest for a second consecutive trophy with a 13-0 demolition of Thailand – the most lopsided victory in World Cup history.
And it could have been worse.
Alex Morgan tied the program record with five goals, and Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis scored two apiece as the top-ranked Americans surpassed Germany's 11-0 rout of Argentina in 2007.
Advertisement
Michelle Akers is the only other American to post five goals in a World Cup match (in 1991).
This match never figured to be competitive, what with the United States seeking their fourth championship and the Thais playing their fourth World Cup match ever.
Once the Americans found their groove – it didn't take long – they were relentless and ruthless before 18,591 witnesses at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
United States' scorer Samantha Mewis lifts her teammate Megan Rapinoe as she celebrates her side's fourth goal.Credit:AP
A 3-0 half-time lead turned into a seven-goal margin nine minutes into the second half. Lindsey Horan, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also scored for the United States, who have won seven consecutive matches, the past five without conceding a goal.
Morgan's third goal, a 17-yard shot after using clever footwork in tight space, exceeded the previous US team scoring mark in a World Cup of 7-0 against Taiwan in the 1991 quarter-finals.
Chile – first-time entrants who gave Sweden fits Tuesday before falling to a 2-0 loss – will brace for the United States on Sunday in Paris. A US victory would secure passage to the round of 16.
With a vast majority of the crowd backing them, the Americans took the field with all of the expected starters, except one: Centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn was held out for precautionary reasons because of what team officials described as a mild quadriceps injury.
United States' Alex Morgan, left, comforts Thailand's Miranda Nild, right.Credit:AP
She is in the running to start on Sunday at the Parc des Princes.
In Sauerbrunn's absence, defensive midfielder Julie Ertz dropped back into her former position and paired with Abby Dahlemper. Ertz's slot was filled by Mewis, who figured to start at times in this tournament.
Dahlkemper and Mewis were among six US starters making their World Cup debuts, though given their extensive service, there was no fear of jitters.
With a pronounced height advantage, the United States showed at kickoff they would throw players forward. Looking more like an NFL team than a soccer unit, seven players bolted off the centre stripe.
Thailand defended admirably for a dozen minutes – a Morgan goal was also disallowed because she was offside – before relenting to pressure.
Rapinoe's cross from the end line was redirected to Kelley O'Hara a the top of the box. The right back surged past one player before chipping a cross to Morgan in a pocket between two defenders.
Under no pressure, Morgan angled a header into the left corner.
Eight minutes passed before the next goal, a play that began in the US end and ended with a strike from distance.
O'Hara launched a long ball to Morgan, who settled it with her back to the goal and slipped a pass ahead to Lavelle for a left-footed, 23-yard smash that eluded diving goalkeeper Sukanya Chor Charoenying.
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