NEW YORK — Landon Donovan told David Letterman soccer needs either more referees or video replay.
The U.S. soccer star appeared on the “Late Show” on CBS on Tuesday night after returning from the World Cup, where the Americans won their group for the first time in 80 years.
Team USA was the victim of officiating blunders that have plagued the tournament, as two Americans’ goals were disallowed.
Donovan told Letterman “for us it’s difficult because we know how fast the game is, and as a referee, you can’t see everything.” Donovan said it’s frustrating “to put that much into something you’re doing and all of a sudden, it’s taken away from you.”
Officially out.
Uruguay’s Jorge Larrionda and Italy’s Roberto Rosetti, whose officiating blunders prompted FIFA to rethink using video technology, have been left off the list of referees for the rest of the World Cup.
Larrionda failed to see an England shot cross the goal line in a 4-1 loss to Germany. Rosetti wrongly awarded a goal to Argentina’s Carlos Tevez against Mexico when he was offside. Also left out was Koman Coulibaly of Mali, who disallowed a third U.S. goal during the Americans’ 2-2 draw with Slovenia.
Trophy takers.
South Africa’s police commissioner said seven World Cup replica trophies were stolen from FIFA headquarters in Johannesburg.
The trophies are about 6 inches tall and worth $256 each.
The Associated Press
