Morgan scores five as US beat Thailand with record 13-0 win

REIMS: Striker Alex Morgan scored five times as holders the United States began their World Cup campaign with a record 13-0 win over Thailand on Tuesday.

The Group F result was the largest margin of victory in either the men's or women's World Cup.

When the Americans headed for the interval 3-0 up, there was little indication of what was to come in the second half.

After netting four times in six minutes shortly after the restart, they then added six more goals in the last 16 minutes.

Alex Morgan of the US scores their eighth goal to complete her hat-trick during the Women's World Cup Group F match between United States and Thailand, at Stade Auguste-Delaune, in Reims, France, on June 11, 2019. Photo: Reuters
Alex Morgan of the US scores their eighth goal to complete her hat-trick during the Women's World Cup Group F match between United States and Thailand, at Stade Auguste-Delaune, in Reims, France, on June 11, 2019. Photo: Reuters

"We really wanted to showcase ourselves and what we've been preparing for and working on and I think we did that," said Morgan.

"Every goal matters in this tournament and so that's what we were working on in this game. We got a lot of attacks and I think we were really clinical in the number of attacks that we did get.

"I am speechless. The ball just bounced my way today and I am looking forward to the next game.

"To see Rose Lavalle have the confidence to go at players, Sam Mewis taking on players and scoring from outside the box... I am really proud of them."

The result surpassed Germany's 11-0 win over Argentina in 2007 and almost doubled the US own previous record - a 7-0 success over Taiwan in 1991.

"We did not do enough. They were excellent all around. We don't have any excuse and accept they are better," said Thailand coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian.

"We have to improve in every aspect."

The last time the two teams met, the United States won 9-0.

US coach Jillian Ellis said the result was great confidence booster but did not want to get carried away with the emphatic nature of the win.

"This only game one. It will be an incredibly hard World Cup," she said.

The US will next face Chile on Sunday, while Thailand will be up against Sweden.