Women's World Cup: USA players respond to celebration critics by politely clapping goals

Opening scorer Lloyd performed 'golf clap' in nod to criticism

The United States women’s national team responded to criticism for their celebrations against Thailand by politely applauding their goals in a 3-0 win against Chile on Sunday.

The reigning Women’s World Cup champions were condemned in some quarters for their exuberant celebrations in the record-breaking 13-0 victory last Tuesday.

Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and other members of Jill Ellis' side were said to have acted in a “disgraceful” and “embarrassing” manner against Thailand.

Former Canada international Kaylyn Kyle led the criticism and her comments sparked debate on social media, with a hashtag #UglyAmericans trending in the hours after the game.

Morgan later defended their actions, claiming “these are goals we have dreamt of our entire life”, and Lloyd decided to hit back on the pitch on Sunday.

After scoring the opening goal 11 minutes into their second Group F game against Chile at the Parc des Princes, Lloyd celebrated with a polite ‘golf clap’.

The clap was copied on the sidelines by the United States substitutes, who stood in a line to applaud the 36-year-old, and Lloyd briefly performed the clap again after scoring her side’s third and final goal.

Lloyd later missed a penalty which would have sealed her hat-trick, but she nevertheless set a new Women’s World Cup record, becoming the first player to ever score in six consecutive finals matches.

The victory saw the United States qualify for the round of 16 ahead of their final group game against Sweden on Thursday.