Reims, France (June 11, 2019) — Just like that, the wait is over. The United States Women’s National Team faced off with Thailand to open up their FIFA Women’s World Cup journey. The last time these two sides met up, it wasn’t a pretty result for Thailand.
In Columbus, Ohio, back in September 2016, Thailand fell to the United States by 9-0. This time, the score was worse and against Thailand. The United States put up 11 goals against Thailand. The reigning champions of the World Cup controlled the match from start to finish.
Three different players scored a brace for the United States. Alex Morgan began the scoring in the 12th minute and earned a second goal in the 53rd minute. Her final dagger of the night came in the 74th minute, earning her a hat-trick. She joins Cristiane of Brazil as the only players to score hat-tricks in this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis found braces.
Mewis started the match in the right midfield. With Becky Sauerbrunn out due to a minor quad issue, Mewis earned the start due to Julie Ertz moving to the centerback position. Meanwhile, other members of the midfield included Lavelle and Lindsey Horan. Horan found herself on the goal-sheet in the 32nd minute. Megan Rapinoe also found herself on the scoresheet with a goal in the 79th minute.
Mallory Pugh put the dagger in at the 84th minute to make it 11-0.
Tower of Power has officially made her grand entrance to the #FIFAWWC. pic.twitter.com/G7jFuXYLYo
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 11, 2019
What’s Next?
After wrapping up three points and taking first place in Group F — Sweden defeated Chile, but only by two goals, so the United States leads due to the goal count — the USWNT will have a week of training and rest. They return to action on June 16 to face Chile.
Their final group stage match is on June 20 against Sweden.
