An attempt to explain the mysterious foul
Posted by mdavis on Jun.19, 2010, under Contributors
by Milos Kosic
Many things will be remembered about the nerve-wrecking game between USA and Slovenia: Landon Donovan’s stunning strike, Bob Bradley’s joy when his son scored, USA’s amazing comeback, Slovenia’s unusual celebration, etc. Unfortunately, it was a controversial referee call in the second half that overshadowed the whole match. In the 85th minute, after a perfect free kick from Donovan, Maurice Edu sent the ball into the net, but the referee had already stopped the game. Why?
Nobody was really sure.
After watching the replay for several times, I think I finally realized what the mysterious call was. Look carefully at Carlos Bocanegra and Slovenia’s number 7, Nejc Pecnik. After Donovan had sent the ball into the penalty area, Bocanegra grabbed Pecnik, pushing him away from the ball, and clearing the way for Maurice Edu. Another Slovenian player was doing the same thing to Michael Bradley, but the U.S. were not awarded a penalty kick probably because the ball did not fly toward Bradley. It flew toward Pecnik, and if Bocanegra did not grab the Slovenian player, Pecnik would have been able to clear Donovan’s cross. In my opinion, it was a right call.
What is your take on it?
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June 19th, 2010 on 4:31 pm
What a terrible call if that’s the caes – Pecnik CLEARLY charges Bocanegra, and then pivots while he’s entangled with him. It’s no one’s fault besides Pecnik’s himself.
June 19th, 2010 on 9:14 pm
I agree that Pecnik was holding Bocanegra too, but I think that in this kind of situations, a referee always gives advantage to a defender. They were both pushing each other.
But I must admit that every time I watch this replay I feel like I wanna change my opinion. The whole situation is just a complete mess.
June 19th, 2010 on 9:56 pm
I agree with u Milos!!