Socceroos defender Jordy Bos was carried from the field after suffering a suspected serious knee injury following a heavy challenge during the Round of 32 clash against Egypt.
The influential left-sided star went down in obvious pain moments before half-time after a forceful challenge from Egypt defender Karim Hafez, bringing Australia’s knockout match to a halt as medical staff rushed onto the field.
Bos remained on the turf for several minutes receiving treatment before eventually being helped from the pitch, unable to put any weight on his left leg as teammates looked on anxiously.
The 23-year-old was replaced by Kai Trewin at the interval, with the extent of the injury yet to be confirmed.
The incident sparked fury among the Australian camp after Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera allowed play to continue and failed to issue a yellow card despite playing advantage.
Socceroos assistant coach Paul Okon did not hide his frustration at the break.
The Socceroos star went down in agony after a heavy challenge during Australia’s World Cup knockout clash
Socceroos assistant Paul Okon called the challenge a ‘terrible tackle’ during his half-time interview with SBS
SBS commentator David Basheer said Australia were getting nothing from referee Gustavo Tejera during the contest
‘Terrible tackle,’ he told SBS.
‘From what we understand, the referee played advantage but he doesn’t come back and book the player. Disappointing.’
Former Matilda Sarah Walsh agreed the challenge warranted stronger punishment.
‘There needed to be an earlier yellow. There’s been too many late challenges,’ she said.
‘That was completely late and there’s been a couple of those.’
Former Socceroo Mark Milligan also believed Egypt should have been punished.
‘I agree. It needed to be a yellow,’ he said.
‘There have been too many late challenges.
‘That was completely late and there have been a couple of those.’
The controversial challenge became the flashpoint of a bruising opening half, with Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine seen remonstrating with match officials as Bos remained stricken on the ground.
SBS commentator David Basheer was equally critical of the officiating throughout the contest as Egypt repeatedly disrupted Australia’s rhythm with physical challenges.
‘Australia are getting nothing out of this Uruguayan referee that’s for sure,’ Basheer said.
He later added: ‘Some of his calls in the first half did not make sense, for mine… not sure what his definition of a foul is.’
Former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire warned the referee’s reluctance to punish repeated infringements had encouraged increasingly dangerous challenges.
‘When you let them go that many times, that’s when it can get reckless and you see players get hurt,’ Wilkshire said.
Nestory Irankunda was also repeatedly targeted as Egypt employed an uncompromising physical approach, yet the Pharaohs were not shown their first yellow card until the 60th minute despite committing a string of fouls.
