Arena criticises penalty decision

Arena's side were heading into the break level before Markus Merk adjudged that Razak Pimpong had been pushed over in the area by defender Oguchi Onyewu.

Arena said: "We worked really hard to get back in the game. I am disappointed in the ref's judgment of the penalty.

"We would have liked to come out at half-time with a chance to win it."

Striker Brian McBride was also critical of the decision and felt his side were unlucky to come away without at least a point.

He said: "I've rarely seen something like that given."

The defeat meant that the USA finished bottom of Group E, with a solitary point, which was gained against Italy.

The Fulham forward added: "It was a strange game. I felt we were in control for quite some time. They had very few chances but the ones they did get they scored.

"We hit a post, we stuck together and tried to push forward.

"If we had just got that second goal there is no telling what would have happened."

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