[Eurotwit]

Agreed.

Though it seems like the normal rules are thrown out of the window inside the penalty box. It usually takes a pretty clear foul for a penalty to be called.

I think, the Ghana players hurt their cases by overplaying.

Even if there was some limited contact, the ref was turned off by the theatrics...

[kevkrom]

I think part of what turns American fans off of soccer/football is what I like to term "pussy officiating". In the offensive end, players are called for the slightest touch foul -- on defense, they can almost get away with murder before being whistled. The disparity grows proportionally to the nearness of the respective goal lines.

FIFA referees officiate games as if they are frightened of being blamed for any goal. Therefore they do everything in their power to limit scoring opportunities, which always makes them seem biased against the more attacking side.