Canada diplomatic about U.S. goal celebrations but Scott says they’d tone it down

GRENOBLE, France — Canadian players were diplomatic Wednesday when asked about the Americans’ 13-0 rout of Thailand and the unbridled celebrations accompanying the baker’s dozen of goals at the Women’s World Cup.

But veteran Desiree Scott suggested Canada might take the celebrations down a notch.

“It is a World Cup and you’re going to take your opportunities and score those goals,” said Scott, who has 144 caps for Canada. “I think we wouldn’t back off either if were getting the goal-scoring opportunities.

“But I think we’d be maybe after the first few, maybe just tone (the celebrations) it down a little. That could be the humble Canadian in us that’s also saying that. But I think just be mindful of the other team.”

Tuesday’s result in Reims marked the largest margin of victory in tournament history. And the top-ranked Americans did not hold back on the celebrations as they began defence of their world crown.

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The goal celebrations irritated some observers. Other noted that goal difference is all-important at a World Cup, adding that scoring on the world showcase is indeed something to celebrate.

Midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who has 185 caps, said she didn’t watch the U.S. game so was somewhat in the dark.

“If that was me, to just quietly run back to half(way after scoring) would be hard,” she acknowledged.

Forward Janine Beckie, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen with 57 Canadian caps, said people are entitled to their opinion. But she had no issue with what happened.

“Personally I think if you’re putting in as much work as you put in to get to a World Cup — and for a lot of those players that was their first World Cup goals — by all means celebrate,” she said.

“We’re at a World Cup and when it comes down to goal differential and winning games, they made their margin as big as they could. I mean you can’t really fault that,” she added.

“I also think it was class of them to console the Thailand players after the game. I thought that was great.”

Beckie also noted some of the U.S. goals were “really, really high-quality goals that I think go in against a better team anyways.” 

Coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller said he didn’t see the game so had no comment.

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press