Abby Wambach defended the actions of the USWNT on Tuesday following a 13-0 win over Thailand in the Women's World Cup.
The U.S. secured the largest margin of victory in the history of the tournament, but some criticized its relentless pursuit of goals and celebrations while holding a substantial lead. Wambach, a former star of the national team, responded to comments about the players' actions on Twitter.
"For all that have issue with many goals: for some players this is there first World Cup goal, and they should be excited," Wambach said. "Imagine it being you out there.This is your dream of playing and then scoring in a World Cup. Celebrate.Would you tell a men’s team to not score or celebrate?"
For all that have issue with many goals: for some players this is there first World Cup goal, and they should be excited. Imagine it being you out there.This is your dream of playing and then scoring in a World Cup. Celebrate.Would you tell a men’s team to not score or celebrate?
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 11, 2019
Wambach urged players to do their best at all times and called on FIFA to give more resources to countries that need it. She also questioned whether the men's national team would be under fire for a similar result.
Really respecting the game and what you’ve worked for is to do your best at ALL times. This is a call to @FIFAcom to do more and give more resources for some of these countries. It’s the World Cup folks. Would you say this about the men? Didn’t think so.
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 11, 2019
With all due respect: did you see @alexmorgan13 last two goals and her last assist?!!! They were world class. And this isn’t rec league soccer. This is THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!!!! Stop judging these women with patriarchal glasses. You would never say this about a men’s team. Period. https://t.co/uuC8Y8uK0c
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 11, 2019
Wambach, 39, sits atop the USWNT's all-time scoring list with 184 career goals. The 2015 World Cup champion retired in October of the same year.
Seven different players scored in the USWNT opening match against Thailand and Alex Morgan's five goals tied a USWNT record.