We had the pleasure of watching the final 60 minutes or so of USA/Slovenia with Tony Sanneh and a crew of soccer-loving fans. After the U.S. went down 2-0 in the first half, we had two thoughts (at least that are printable): 1) So is this how it ends? 2) The U.S. could sure use Sanneh circa 2002 in its defensive crew. That said, the final 45 minutes were some stirring, fun stuff. Landon Donovan's goal early in the second half was brilliant, as was Michael Bradley's equalizer in the 82nd minute. But even with a tie keeping the U.S. very much alive, a 3-2 victory was the more deserved result.
Second-half sub Maurice Edu appeared to put the U.S. ahead in the 86th, poking in close-range shot after Jozy Altidore headed Donovan's free kick to him. But the goal was disallowed by referee Koman Couilibaly of Mali, apparently for a foul before Edu got the ball.
"I'm a little gutted to be honest," Donovan said. "I don't know how they stole that last goal from us. I'm not sure what the call was. He (the referee) wouldn't tell us what the call was."
Indeed. It was a disgraceful call from a referee who made a series of bizarre and poor decisions, many of which went against the USA. We don't play "the refs jobbed us" card here often. But that was awful. A victory for the U.S. would have put the squad in prime position to advance. As it stands, the Americans might need a bit of fortune even with a win over Algeria in the final group play match. For now, though, rooting for Algeria vs. England later this afternoon is the way to go.
