The Socceroos have expressed their frustration with the officiating following their 2-0 loss to the United States in Seattle, with young star Nestory Irankunda claiming the referee “had a stinker.” The match, played on Friday, saw Germany’s Felix Zwayer at the centre of controversy, particularly for his handling of key decisions.
Controversial Calls
Australia’s second-half goal was initially ruled offside before being overturned by VAR, but the visitors felt aggrieved by several other incidents. Irankunda and Cristian Volpato were both knocked down without fouls being awarded, while Connor Metcalfe had a penalty shout waved away. “The ref was having a stinker today,” Irankunda said. “But it is what it is. He was giving every call to the USA. I get it, but, at the same time, there’s two teams on the field, so you have to give the calls both ways. And he didn’t do that today.”
Coach and Players Speak Out
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic also criticised the referee’s performance, particularly the decision to allow the US’s second goal. “I’m not sure on that one. We felt that, but, unfortunately that didn’t go our way,” Popovic said. “Today was, I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee. Certainly we felt we were Australia today with the referees.” He added that the lack of consistency was frustrating: “I thought the referee gave too many fouls away, in all honesty. Sometimes you didn’t have to do much to win a foul. And on the other occasions you had to do a fair bit to get one. But that’s for the referees to assess their referee.”
Veteran defender Milos Degenek, an unused substitute, was also vocal from the bench. “I was very impressed by the way how the boys held their calm and held their nerve,” Degenek said. “I mean, I would have lost my head 10 times. I was losing my head on the bench, but obviously, you can’t influence what the decisions are and that’s the way the world is now. Unfortunately, they don’t let you have at least a dialogue, which would be helpful in an explanation, but it is what it is.”
Referee’s Physical Struggles
Adding to the drama, Zwayer began cramping during injury time of the second half, a sight that did little to endear him to the Australian camp. Despite the frustrations, the Socceroos acknowledged that the refereeing was not the sole reason for their defeat, but they made it clear they felt the Americans had the rub of the green.
