The United States fought hard against Uruguay for a spot in the Copa America, but a series of refereeing decisions went against them, allowing the opposing team to score the opening goal just after the hour mark.
After a scoreless first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the U.S. remained in search of the lead and needed a win to advance to the knockout stage.
Uruguay took the lead in the 66th minute with a goal from Matias Olivera that looked like it was going to be ruled out by VAR.
However, after seeing footage which showed the goal was offside, the goal was somehow allowed to stand, leaving fans completely baffled by the seemingly pointless decision.
MORE: Read all about the refereeing issues that led to multiple questionable decisions in the USA vs. Uruguay match
Was Uruguay’s goal against the USA offside?
Matias Olivera scored Uruguay’s opening goal against the United States, but the shot was clearly offside.
Ronald Araujo headed a free kick onto the goal frame and Matt Turner ducked to make a big save. Unfortunately for the U.S., the rebound fell into the lap of Olivera, who was in front of the goal and tapped the ball into the open net for the first point of the game.
Check out the VAR angles of the Uruguay vs USMNT goals 🧐🤔 pic.twitter.com/VnOEe3jQvn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
However, replays showed that Olivera was clearly offside when Araujo headed the ball and the goal was referred to a VAR check.
But somehow the goal was ruled legal and Uruguay took the lead, leaving everyone baffled, including Fox Sports announcers John Strong and Stu Holden.
When the VAR footage was shown with a line it seemed to show that Chris Richards’ big toe had kicked Olivera, but even that looked questionable at best.
For some reason, after review, it wasn’t ruled offside. pic.twitter.com/Oh2Xn9Z7bK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
Referee Kevin Ortega receives criticism after USA vs Uruguay match
The lead referee for the USA vs. Uruguay match was criticized from all sides for numerous decisions made during the game.
Peru’s Kevin Ortega had only six senior international games under his belt before taking charge of this huge match that will put the spotlight on the host nation.
The most notable moment came midway through the first half, when he blew his whistle to show US defender Chris Richards a yellow card, and as Uruguay tried to play quickly, he waved off in disbelief, even though he still had the card in his hand, forcing players who had stopped when the whistle blew to scramble in confusion before Matt Turner made the final save.
The referee showed a yellow card and then allowed Uruguay to play on 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8CSLusQCiv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
Soon after, Ortega did the opposite, finding himself one-on-one with Christian Pulisic along the sideline and then incredibly ruining the play with a foul as he dribbled into the attacking half. Suddenly, it was clear that he wasn’t taking advantage.
Just when it seemed the Americans had gained the upper hand, the referee blew the whistle to end play. pic.twitter.com/NHk0Hf7cxz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2024
The goal was ruled out by Ecuadorian VAR Carlos Orube and assistant VAR Brian Loaiza.
