Australia’s World Cup hopes were dealt a major blow after a controversial VAR decision allowed the United States to double their lead in a crucial Group D clash in Seattle.
With a place in the knockout stages potentially on the line, the Socceroos found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time after Alex Freeman’s headed goal was awarded despite initially being ruled out for offside.
The incident came moments before the break when a shot from Sergiño Dest looped high into the air inside the penalty area. Freeman reacted quickest to head the ball home from close range, but the assistant referee immediately raised the flag.
As Australian players prepared to head into the sheds trailing by a single goal, the Video Assistant Referee intervened.
Replays showed two American players standing in offside positions when the ball was played, prompting confusion among viewers and commentators.
After a review, VAR determined neither player had interfered with play and instructed the referee to overturn the on-field decision and award the goal.
Alex Freeman heads home the USA’s second goal moments before half-time in Seattle
American players celebrate after the referee overturned the original offside call following a lengthy VAR review
The announcement was relayed to the crowd inside Seattle’s stadium, triggering wild celebrations among American supporters while leaving many Australian fans furious.
Socceroos assistant coach Paul Okon said they believed Alex Freeman had involved himself in the play and the VAR decision was incorrect.
‘From what we understood he impeded Beachey,’ Okon said.
‘Disappointing to concede a goal just before halftime.’
Social media erupted within minutes of the decision.
‘This was a frustrating call as the offside players are 100% involved here imo,’ one fan posted.
‘Trump’s paid the referee,’ another wrote.
A third added: ‘FIFA knows who they want to win.’
‘How was that offside player not interfering with the play?’ another questioned.
Others felt the Americans fully deserved their advantage after dominating much of the first half.
‘Can’t string a pass together, can’t hold the ball, look clueless going forward.. this could get ugly, being outclassed unfortunately,’ one supporter wrote.
‘Not looking good at all need some changes in the 2nd half,’ another added.
A third pleaded: ‘Stop committing stupid fouls in dangerous areas.. Football 101.’
American fans, meanwhile, defended the decision and pointed to the technology working exactly as intended.
‘It’s a huge advantage hosting a World Cup. And thank goodness the World Cup has VAR or the USA would have been screwed out of a goal,’ one supporter wrote.
Another noted: ‘Very little from the Australians, who in their debut showed very good things that they haven’t done today.’
‘Another own goal and a VAR goal, are the USA blessed?’ a third asked.
The result carried enormous significance for both nations heading into the final group-stage matches.
A win for the United States would put Mauricio Pochettino’s side in a commanding position to advance from Group D and strengthen their grip on top spot.
For Australia, defeat would leave their World Cup future hanging in the balance and potentially dependent on results elsewhere in the group.
