Now that you mention it, I think you're probably right. The only one that I think won't be particularly close is GER/SWE.
And I'll be honest, I won't be heartbroken if the US loses because maybe then they'll fire Jill Ellis. Conversely, even if the US wins the Cup, I won't give Ellis much credit.
From FIFA's rules:
"Interfering with an opponent" means:
– preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball. For example, by clearly obstructing the goalkeeper's line of vision or movement
– making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent
• the opponent must be reasonably close to the play so that the blocking, deceiving or distracting makes a difference
Point one obviously doesn't apply. Point two, otoh, might. However, I'd argue that with the cross coming from Rapinoe on the left and Heath coming up the right side, the Swede would have attempted to clear the ball regardless of whether Lloyd is there. Therefore, Lloyd did not interfere with play. But, look at it again:
Now, tell me where Lloyd interfered
as the rules state.
BTW, Fox's rules analyst Christina Unkel has been a referee for 21 years, 10 at the professional/international level. She said the goal was good and she has a J.D.
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