I’m not referring to the number of goals. Just the taunting and inability to act decent and civilized.
Exactly on point!
Talk about running out the clock, or putting in the 2d string is nonsense. As you point out, it was necessary under the rules to play a strong game all the way to the end, but there was no need to or benefit in humiliating an obviously weaker opponent.
Those of us who have had ample opportunity to witness misbehavior by Americans overseas sadly understand how such conduct can make an outsized negative and lasting impression. If we are the greatest nation on earth, we should act like it and encourage others to rise to our level.