Brazil’s players protested with Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha but after he consulted with the fourth official, he chose to stand by his decision to award the goal.
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Dunga’s men did not start their campaign in brilliant form when they were held to a goal-less draw by Ecuador in California.
As well as the result itself the controversy surronding it – a refereeing blunder – is taking much of the focus.
The last game in Group B will determine USMNT’s quarterfinal opponent in Copa America Centenario. Darlington Nagbe was the difference maker that night, as the Portland Timbers midfielder scored in the 90th minute to give the USA a 1-0 victory. After a lengthy discussion by referees, the goal was allowed in the 75th minute.
“Brazil was eliminated not playing football”. And the protests appeared to have swayed Cunha, who looked to be frantically checking with the fourth official via his headpiece to determine whether the goal should stand.
“I do not understand why they were four minutes talking about the referee and the assistant then resolved nothing”. Multiple replays from different angles, however, showed that Ruidiaz had used his arm to knock the ball into the net past Brazil keeper Alisson.
Not that they seemed to stem the flow of goals conceded, as Ecuador took the lead just 11 minutes into the game through Enner. Elias squandered a golden chance from close range in injury time and Brazil’s fate was sealed.
Brazil and Peru face off in the final match of Group B play.
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Dunga was left exasperated by the decision. There’s a very large amount of Brazilian fans tailgating outside the stadium. ‘There is no way to anticipate imponderables.
