The Decathlon: did the US celebrate too much in 13-0 record win over Thailand?
Ten things from the world of sport on Wednesday 12 June
1. US ‘slammed’ for celebrations
Defending champions United States were on fire as they thrashed Thailand 13-0 in their opening match at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Alex Morgan scored five times in the goal-fest as the US recorded the biggest ever World Cup win.
While the US were praised for their play on the pitch, many fans and pundits were not happy with the over-the-top goal celebrations against the Thai minnows.
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Metro reports that ex-Canada players Clare Rustad and Kaylyn Kyle both “slammed” the US for their antics.
Rustad said: “I just think they could have won with some humility and grace, and they just couldn’t manage to do that. Celebrating goals later in the game like this is just completely unnecessary... what is this?”
Kyle added: “They’re the No.1 team in the world and for me I’m disgusted, honestly. You’re going up against a team that’s first time in the World Cup, they’re just happy to be there. I’m embarrassed.”
Despite the criticism, US all-time record scorer Abby Wambach defended the American players. “For all that have issue with many goals: for some players this is their first World Cup goal, and they should be excited,” said the 2015 World Cup winner.
“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?”
2. Fury: Joshua is finished
Tyson Fury believes Anthony Joshua is “finished” and won’t come back from the shock loss against Andy Ruiz Jr. Fury, who fights Tom Schwarz on Saturday, told BBC Sport: “When a man doesn’t want to be there once, he will always do it and it’s hard to come back from. It’s been done many different times by many different fighters. He did it that night and I don’t think he will come back from it. Finished.”
3. Wet, wet, wet World Cup
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is in danger of becoming the dampest of squibs after yet another match was abandoned because of heavy rain. Sri Lanka’s clash against Bangladesh saw no play at all in Bristol yesterday and became the third match in five days to be rained off. The 2019 tournament is officially the wettest World Cup in the competition’s 44-year history.
Cricket World Cup: reserve day row after yet another washout
4. 100 days until the Rugby World Cup
It’s just 100 days until the 2019 Rugby World Cup starts in Japan. World Rugby has revealed that a record 400,000 international visitors are expected to arrive in Japan between September and November. The 20-team tournament starts on 20 September.
2019 RWC: summer warm-up games, group fixtures and knockout schedule
5. Gatland to lead Lions
Sky Sports reports that Warren Gatland will today be named the British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2021 tour to South Africa. It will be the 55-year-old’s third successive tour in charge of the Lions.
6. Messi tops sport rich list
Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi has taken top spot on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2019. Messi earnt $127m (£99.9m) in the past 12 months. Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo was second on the list and Neymar, the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil forward, was third.
Forbes 2019 sport rich list: Messi beats Ronaldo to No.1 spot
7. Woods wants ten more years
Tiger Woods has warned his golfing rivals that he is aiming to continue playing for another ten years. The 15-time major champion, 43, said ahead of this week’s US Open: “Hypothetically if I give myself another ten years that’s 40 majors. The trick is can I keep myself healthy and strong enough considering what my body has been through? That’s where I need help with all my trainers and physios and workout regimes, and hopefully I can make that happen.”
8. Where will De Ligt go?
Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt is yet to decide his future amid interest from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. “I still do not know what my heart says,” said the Netherlands international. “Now in my vacations I will be able to think about it and decide what I am going to do with my future.”
Premier League transfer news: Pogba, Eriksen, Sane, Onana, De Gea
9. Pep plots City exit
The Daily Star reports that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is “plotting his next break from football”. There’s no suggestion the Spaniard will quit this summer, but sources have told the Star he could leave the Etihad at the end of next season.
10. Lampard in Chelsea talks but could Sarri stay?
Frank Lampard is the favourite to become Chelsea’s new manager and it’s reported today that the Derby County boss has been in talks with Stamford Bridge chiefs about the role.
With current head coach Maurizio Sarri expected to join Juventus in the coming days, Chelsea will be seeking the 13th manager of the Roman Abramovich era.
Despite the speculation that Lampard could return to Stamford Bridge, The Sun says that Chelsea have in fact made an “amazing last-ditch attempt” to get Italian Sarri to stay on as head coach.
Today’s back pages: Frank Lampard in Chelsea talks
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