National teams hit the road knowing full-well they are simply not going to get the benefit of calls, even the most elementary of infractions. Which brings us to Wednesday night, when U.S. forward Clint Mathis blatantly handled the ball, directly leading to Josh Wolff's game-winning score. The Costa Rican defense was in utter shock over the non-call, as well they should. The goal should've been disallowed. But it's simply par for the course in international soccer.
Referees become blind against half of the players on the pitch in every game.
Mathis went up for a header, and clashed in midair with a Tica defender. The ball caromed off their heads, then fell directly onto Mathis' upper arm, which was flailing high in the air. The ball ricocheted perfectly to Wolff, who was unmarked five yards out. Wolff scuffed his shot, but still did enough to put it home. Head Coach Bruce Arena and captain Claudio Reyna were both suspended for their protests during and after the game.