Controversy at Gold Cup Final: USMNT Denied Handball Penalty by VAR

- USMNT coach Pochettino disputes VAR decision in Gold Cup final loss to Mexico, claiming handball penalty should have been given. Analysis and comparisons to past incidents.

Controversy at Gold Cup Final: Handball Penalty Denied to USMNT

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration after a VAR decision denied his team a crucial handball penalty in the Concacaf Gold Cup final against Mexico. The incident involving Mexico defender Jorge Sánchez sparked debate and raised questions about the interpretation of the handball law.

Key Incident

In the 66th minute of the final match, with the score tied at 1-1, Sánchez's hand made contact with the ball inside the penalty area. Despite appeals from the USMNT players, both the on-field referee and the VAR official decided against awarding a penalty kick.

VAR Review and Interpretation

The handball law has evolved over the years, leading to confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans. The decision-making process now includes considerations such as the player's intent and the natural position of the arm in certain situations.

Comparison to Past Incidents

The controversy at the Gold Cup final drew comparisons to previous handball incidents, such as Martin Ødegaard's case in the Premier League and José María Giménez's controversial penalty at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In each scenario, the VAR's interpretation of the defenders' actions played a crucial role in the final decision.

Despite the arguments presented by Pochettino and the USMNT, the final verdict on whether the handball should have been awarded as a penalty remains a topic of debate within the football community.