On Tuesday night the United States Men's National Team lost to Trinidad & Tobago and was eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after Honduras and Panama jumped them in the CONCACAF qualifying table on the final day of Hex play.
ADVERTISEMENT
A phantom goal that helped knock the United States out of the World Cup never should have counted
While the United States sealed their own fate by losing to Trinidad & Tobago, the Americans could have made the tournament if not for a phantom goal by Panama
There will be plenty of blame passed around in the coming days, weeks, months, and yes, years, until the USMNT has the chance to redeem themselves ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Some will blame manager Bruce Arena, others on the American players that came up short, especially
Here's the goal that Panama... @ Jack Grimse
The "goal" would end up having huge consequences. After Panama added another goal to defeat Costa Rica, and the USMNT were unable to complete their comeback against Trinidad & Tobago, one could argue that it was this phantom goal that killed the Americans' World Cup dreams.
ADVERTISEMENT
But the USMNT had endless chances, both in their final game and throughout all 10 games of CONCACAF qualification. Beating Costa Rica at home would have gotten the Americans through, as would a win in either of their games against arch rival Mexico.
No matter where the final blame lands, the result is still the same — the United States men are missing their first World Cup since 1986.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT