Australia Players, Coaches Blast Referee After 2-0 U.S. World Cup Loss
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 20
Australia Players, Coaches Blast Referee After 2-0 U.S. World Cup Loss
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 20
Summary
Nestory Irankunda widened Australia's criticism of Felix Zwayer after the 2-0 loss, saying the referee had a "stinker" and gave calls "every" way to the United States.
The complaints centered on a 43rd-minute U.S. goal by Alex Freeman that stood after VAR review despite Australian protests over offside or goalkeeper interference on Patrick Beach.
Tony Popovic said Zwayer awarded too many fouls and treated the sides unevenly, while assistant Paul Okon argued Beach had been impeded during the decisive sequence.
Australia's staff still conceded the team was sluggish and lost key duels, with the U.S. taking the lead on Cameron Burgess' 11th-minute own goal before moving to 6 points atop Group D.