{"id":360961,"date":"2017-10-11T06:46:01","date_gmt":"2017-10-11T06:46:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/citifmonline.com\/?p=360961"},"modified":"2017-10-11T06:46:01","modified_gmt":"2017-10-11T06:46:01","slug":"usa-eliminated-as-controversial-goal-helps-panama-to-first-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citifmonline.com\/2017\/10\/usa-eliminated-as-controversial-goal-helps-panama-to-first-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"USA eliminated as controversial goal helps Panama to first World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after losing to Trinidad & Tobago and a controversial goal for Panama.<\/p>\n

The US started the night in the third qualifying place but ended up fifth after losing 2-1.<\/p>\n

Panama jumped up to third after an 88th-minute winner against Costa Rica to reach their first World Cup finals.<\/p>\n

However, it was their opening goal that caused debate with Gabriel Torres’ header not appearing to cross the line.<\/p>\n

The 52nd-minute equaliser came from a corner with Torres’ effort hitting the post and as Blas Perez tried to force the ball over the line, Ticos defender Ronald Matarrita looked to have cleared it.<\/p>\n

However, despite complaints from the visitors, referee Walter Lopez of Guatemala gave the goal.<\/p>\n

Honduras beat already-qualified group winners Mexico to also leapfrog the US and secure fourth spot in the table and a two-leg play-off against Australia.<\/p>\n

The US beat Panama 4-0 just last Friday but, despite playing a Trinidad & Tobago side with just three points from nine games before kick-off, never looked close to securing a place in Russia.<\/p>\n

“We had everything there for us,” coach Bruce Arena said.<\/p>\n

“We failed on the day. No excuses. We failed today. We should have walked off this field with at least a point. We should not be staying at home for this World Cup and I take responsibility.”<\/p>\n

Omar Gonzalez stretched to cut out a cross and only succeeded in steering the ball past veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard, before Alvin Jones rocketed in a superb 35-yard strike to double the hosts’ lead.<\/p>\n

Borussia Dortmund teenager – and star of the win in Panama – Christian Pulisic gave the US hope soon after the restart with a fine long-range goal of his own, but with Honduras beating Mexico it looked like a play-off place for the States.<\/p>\n

And then, with time running out in Panama City, Torres – who plays his club football in Seattle – latched on to a long ball forwards and smashed in off the crossbar to send Panama through and leave the US in the wilderness.<\/p>\n

–<\/p>\n

Source: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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