Mexico and Costa Rica delivered a thrilling showdown at Allegiant Stadium, with veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas putting on a standout performance. The Costa Rican star was instrumental in keeping his team in contention, making four crucial saves, including several outside his area, that showcased his world-class reflexes and command of the game.
However, late in the match, controversy took center stage. Santiago Giménez, the AC Milan forward, electrified the crowd with a stunning bicycle-kick goal that rippled the back of the net. His celebration was short-lived, as the referee, following a VAR review, ruled the goal out, leaving Mexican fans and players in disbelief.
Landon Donovan is furious with the decision.
Landon Donovan is one of the most representative players in the history of the United States, a former player for Bayern Munich, Everton, LA Galaxy, and other clubs. The American footballer has a huge history with the national team. With the squad of the stars and stripes, Donovan lifted the Golden Cup as a player on 4 occasions (2002, 2005, 2007, and 2013).
Given his expertise and reputation, he is widely regarded as an authoritative voice when it comes to analyzing the competition taking place on American soil. Following Mexico’s clash with Costa Rica, he sparked debate with his reaction to the disallowed goal by Santiago Giménez. Expressing his incredulity, he placed the blame squarely on the referee’s decision after the controversial VAR review.
“I’m mad at the referee. It is hard to score a goal like that. I’ve never scored a goal like that. he finally got in the scoresheet, he’s got a bonus. You are taking money out of the man’s pocket. Why are we taking goals away from people? I just don’t get it,” he said during an analysis show with Fox.
The former midfielder from the United States could not understand the decision of the referee. He argued that the Mexican player received the ball from an opponent. And the new rules of soccer said that if you receive the ball from a rebound of a rival, you can score without any trouble.
What is left for Mexico in the Golden Cup
The Mexican team finished the group zone in first place, surpassing national teams like Costa Rica, which ended second, the Dominican Republic with only one point in third place, and Suriname at the bottom with only one point.
Javier Aguirre’s squad has now secured a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face Saudi Arabia the only non-CONCACAF team in the tournament. The highly anticipated clash is set to take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mexico, aiming for a record-extending 13th title in the competition, last lifted the trophy in 2023.
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