Thai goalie thanks Lloyd for kind words after rout
The goalkeeper who allowed 13 goals when the United States routed Thailand at the Women's World Cup has thanked Carli Lloyd for offering words of encouragement following the humiliating defeat.
Lloyd sought out Sukanya Chor Charoenying immediately following the record-breaking U.S. national team's victory. Sukanya wasn't even expected to start in Tuesday's opener but got the nod over Waraporn Boonsing.
“Thanks so much, Lloyd. Your words that you told me make me strong,” Sukanya posted in appreciation to Lloyd on Twitter, adding emojis including Thailand's flag, a heart and an American flag. “Keep going for this tournament and so on. Firstly, I felt disappointment in worst situation but this is the biggest experience in my life.”
The United States was criticized after the opener for running up the score and celebrating after all 13 goals. Players defended the score, pointing to the importance of goal differential in the group stage and the excitement of scoring on the sport's biggest stage.
ENGLAND 1, ARGENTINA 0
Jodie Taylor scored her first international goal in 14 months to send England into the second round of the Women's World Cup with a victory over Argentina.
The Argentines, who scored their first ever World Cup point in an opening draw against Japan, were resilient but Taylor finally found a way past goalkeeper Vanina Correa in the 61st minute after she had repeatedly thwarted England's attack. Correa saved a first-half penalty from Nikita Parris.
Taylor sneaked into a central location unchecked by the Argentine defense and met Beth Mead's low cross. She nudged the ball into the net and ended a 540-day England goal drought.
JAPAN 2, SCOTLAND 1
Mana Iwabuchi had an early goal and then Japan held off a late charge from Scotland.
Iwabuchi, who was on the Japanese team that won the World Cup in 2011, scored in the 23rd minute to give Japan its first goal of the tournament. Yuika Sugasawa converted a penalty in the 37th minute to pad the lead going into the break.
ITALY 5, JAMAICA 0
Cristiana Girelli scored a hat trick to put Italy into the second round of the World Cup with a win over Jamaica.
It was Italy's second hat trick at the World Cup, as Girelli joined Carolina Morace, who did it at the inaugural 1991 tournament. Girelli's three goals were the third hat trick so far this World Cup.
Italy upset Australia 2-1 in its opening Group C match with a goal in stoppage time.