USA eliminated from World Cup -The United States of America (USA) will not take part in the upcoming 2018 World Cup.
Needing just a draw in Trinidad and Tobago to secure a berth in Russia, the U. S. went down 2-0 early and were not able to claw all the way back to nab that precious draw.
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After losing to Trinidad & Tobago, as well as a controversial goal for Panama, The United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Panama has booked its place in Russia and Honduras will play Australia in a playoff for a spot in the tournament.
The U. S. had to lose, Honduras needed to beat Mexico and Panama needed to beat Costa Rica. Honduras went down 1-0 and 2-1 but came back to secure a 3-2 upset victory.
Panama too went down 1-0 to Costa Rica but came back to win 2-1 just days after losing 4-0 to USA. The US started the night in the third qualifying place but ended up fifth after losing 2-1.
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Panama jumped up to third after an 88th-minute winner against Costa Rica to reach their first World Cup finals. However, it was their opening goal that caused a debate with Gabriel Torres’ header not appearing to cross the line.
Pananaminuan first goal against Costa Rica has become a subject for discussion. It all came from Gabriel Torres’s phantom goal that made it 1-1.
Panama’s first goal -an equalizer in the 53rd minute by Gabriel Torres- was awarded by CONCACAF officials despite not even crossing the line.
Following the controversial goal, FIFA is expected to use goal-line technology for the first time in World Cup history this summer in Russia. Goal-line technology and even VAR, video assistant replay, is used in several major soccer leagues around the world.
Had that goal not counted, Panama would have finished with a draw and the United States would have finished the group stage in fifth place and would have faced Australia in a home-and-away playoff round for the right to earn a spot at the world cup.
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