Christian Pulisic and Greg Berhalter calls out match officials after USA exit

The United States of America played their last Copa America fixture for the 2024 edition on Monday night in a disappointing 1-0 loss to Uruguay in their final group stage game, which, in addition to Panama’s 3-1 victory over Bolivia on the same night meant that the stars and stripes were knocked out of the competition after finishing third in the group.

After their opening group C victory over Bolivia in a 2-0 win, USA lost their subsequent games 2-1 to Panama and Monday’s 1-0 loss to Uruguay to finish third behind Uruguay, who topped the table, and Panama, who secured the second qualification spot.

However, the nature of the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay was disappointing to neutrals, fans, and the American team, who believed that Uruguay’s winning goal should have been scrapped off by the VAR and the officials.

Uruguayan defender Mathías Olivera, who scored in the 66th minute, and one other player in the white and blue seemed offside, but despite checks by the VAR, the goal stood.

AC Milan midfielder Christian Pulisic was Tom founded after the game when he gave his post-match interview revealing that he didn’t understand the official’s explanation for their decision, especially referee Kevin Ortega, who ignored shaking the hands of the former Chelsea star after the game.

“Honestly, I mean, I saw things that I’ve never seen before right in front of my eyes today that truly I can’t believe. I mean … I don’t know what I’m looking at, I don’t know what they’re calling, he gives no explanation, he’s doing things that I just can’t — I can’t accept.” Pulisic said.

Similarly, USA head coach Greg Berhalter explained the mood in the dressing room after the fixture, saying that the whole team was disappointed that they couldn’t get the results they needed, knowing fully well that they had the capability to do that and more in the competition.