Watch: Panama's phantom goal helped bounce U.S. from World Cup
Here's the goal that Panama 'scored' to make it 1-1 against Costa Rica. Did it cross the line? 👀 pic.twitter.com/zk80aEXBF3
— Jack Grimse (@JackGrimse) October 11, 2017
There were a number of reasons why the United States didn't qualify for the 2018 World Cup - Jurgen Klinsmann's baffling tactical and personnel choices, Bruce Arena's inability to provide the boost that was expected, plain and simple poor performances by the players - but that could have all been moot, possibly, if it weren't for a phantom goal by Panama on Tuesday.
Panama's 2-1 triumph over Costa Rica, combined with the USMNT's humiliating loss to Trinidad and Tobago - and Honduras' win over Mexico - condemned the U.S. to fifth place in the Hex, just outside the intercontinental play-off spot.
Related - Watch: Panama's 87th-minute goal breaks American hearts
But would Panama have grabbed the decisive three points without Gabriel Torres' 52nd-minute goal that, upon further inspection, didn't seem to cross the line?