By Andrew Warshaw at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
June 18 – Eventually it had to happen, a refereeing decision so outrageous you wondered how the official responsible got the gig in the first place.
When American substitute Maurice Edu turned in Landon Donovan’s freekick with six minutes left of a pulsating World Cup encounter in Johannesburg, it seemed the United States - two goals down at halftime - had pulled off the mother of all comebacks against Slovenia.
There was the usual jostling in the box, the usual close contact, and a modicum of shirt pulling.
But nothing anyone on the pitch, in the stadium or watching on television around the world could identify as a foul by any US player.
Except for Mali referee Koman Coulibaly who thought differently, disallowing the goal for an infringement that left the American players cursing their luck - and privately cursing the man in the middle as well.
Take human error out of football and you destroy one of the fundamental fabrics of the game.
But, unlike players and managers, referees do not have to justify their actions and one can only hope that Mr. Coulibaly is on the plane home when FIFA decides, as they traditionally do after ther group phase, which officials stay on in the competition and which are cut.
Three points and the Americans would have had one foot in the last 16.
One point and they are now treading a tightrope.
“We asked him many times what the call was and he wouldn’t tell us,” said Donovan.
“It was his first World Cup game so maybe he got caught up in the moment.
“To my mind, it was a freekick and a goal.
“I don’t know how much English he speaks but he just ignored us.”
Michael Bradley (pictured), son of coach Bob, scored the all-important equaliser in the 2-2 draw but was furious with the officials at the finish.
The US team may have been far too tentative in the first half but to be denied by such an atrocious decision was a cruel blow.
At least, however, they are still in the competition - with a must-win game against Algeria to come, just as England now have to beat Slovenia.
“There are not many teams in this tournament who could have come back like we did,” said Donovan.
“That’s the American spirit for you.”
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