Australia’s World Cup forward Nestory Irankunda criticized referee Felix Zwayer following a 2-0 defeat to the U.S. on Friday. Irankunda commented, “The ref was having a stinker today. He was giving every call to the USA.” The match took place during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D game in Seattle, Washington.
Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic echoed these sentiments, noting that the referee awarded too many fouls. Popovic stated, “Sometimes you didn’t have to do much to win a foul.” Australia’s assistant coach Paul Okon added that their goalkeeper, Patrick Beach, was impeded during a key play.
One controversial moment involved the U.S. scoring a second goal, initially called offside but validated after a VAR review. Australia protested, believing their goalkeeper was impeded.
The U.S. scored its first goal via an own goal by Australia’s Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute.
Despite criticizing the referee, Popovic acknowledged the U.S. team’s performance and admitted that Australia’s players appeared “sluggish.” He remarked, “We looked sluggish… They won every duel.”
Felix Zwayer, the German referee, experienced physical issues when he required assistance after a cramp in the match’s closing stages.
With this victory, the U.S. leads the group with six points. Australia holds the second position with three points. Sports reporter Jackson Thompson covered this event, providing detailed reporting on political and cultural issues in sports.
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