USMNT fans already furious with World Cup officiating

Fans of the USMNT are furious with the officiating in their first World Cup group stage contest against Wales, thanks in part to some yellow cards.

World Cup officials gave out two yellow cards within the first 15 minutes to the United States men’s national team. Sergiño Dest and Weston McKennie’s aggressiveness got the best of them early on, as is often the case for young teams in their first World Cup game.

For the rest of the contest, Dest and McKennie will have to play with extra caution, or risk forcing the USMNT down a man against a formidable foe in Wales.

In its first World Cup game in eight years, the youngest U.S. men’s team in history created opportunities in the first 15 minutes, but also played with some reckless intent. That didn’t stop USA fans from voicing their concerns with the officiating in the first half.

USMNT fans upset with World Cup officiating

All United States fans can hope for is consistency, and the officials have failed to show that thus far. Christian Pulisic, for one, was dumped to the turf on multiple occasions in the first half. Yet, the officials failed to pull out a yellow against Wales.

As for the players themselves, they cannot afford to get distracted by the refs, or any ulterior motives. With just three matches separating the U.S. from the knockout round, they must find a way to pick up points against Wales, as Iran and England remain capable squads. England, for one, is among the top-ranked FIFA teams in the world. They’re among the favorites to win the entire tournament.

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Tim Weah scored the first goal for the USMNT in eight years, thus making fans forget about the sketchy officiating early on in this contest.