Could it have been called? Sure. Are you going to get that call at Azteca? Not a chance... Gomez needs to play tougher and get an actual chance on goal instead of going down so easily looking for the foul
I can't go along with those who think the ref's decision was motivated by the player or the venue. In the leagues I watch, and in International soccer, this is usually called. But it is rarely called in friendlies, and I appreciate it. As a fan watching a friendly, I want to see 11x11. Earlier in the day, I turned off the Germany vs Argentina friendly after the red card to the goalkeeper. Even though the PK was missed, the match I wanted to watch was over.
I agree. I think Gomez added too much "flop" to it, if that makes sense. I also thought the contact was very minimal and something that happens in the box all the time but I've seen PKs given for less than that.
should have been more balanced and worked to strike it on net instead of looking for a freebie. fight through it put it on frame.
Pretty much. How I saw it was that Gomez should have stayed on his feet and rode it out. Instead he tried to rely on the referee. Visiting players in CONCACAF should never expect that.
If I were FIFA president, this kind of play would normally be called a foul. It's a foul 99% of the time in midfield, so why shouldn't it be a foul at least 90% of the time in the box? In reality, such a play is normally allowed, especially early or late in a match. I think there's far, far too much situational refereeing in soccer, but I don't deny that's the way our sport IS called.