The World Cup group stage match between the United States and Australia was delayed in the final stages as referee Felix Zweier received medical treatment on the pitch.
Referee Felix Zweier suffered a convulsion during the USA vs. Australia match and required treatment (Image: BBC)
The World Cup match between the United States and Australia was postponed after the referee suffered a convulsion and collapsed. Play was stopped late in the game as official Felix Zweier received treatment.
After falling, the assistant referee helped him stretch his legs. Then the fourth official, Katia Garcia, appeared on the pitch and gave him what appeared to be some kind of energy drink.
The delay lasted several minutes. The German referee was able to continue and finish the match, receiving a loud cheer from the mostly American crowd as he signaled to continue.
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Co-commentator Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: “We’ve had a lot of tournaments, we’ve gone to a lot of games, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a referee convulse before.”
Wayne Rooney reacted to the incident on BBC Sport after the match, laughing: “They’re going to give the referee time to drink water. It’s embarrassing.”
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In the match, America defeated Australia 2-0. Cameron Burgess’ own goal put the hosts ahead, before Alex Freeman doubled their lead with a goal after a VAR check. The win was the United States’ second in group stage play, following a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the group opener.
Meanwhile, Australia, who defeated Turkey in their opening match, will need to get something out of their final match against Paraguay to ensure a place in the knockout stages.
After the game, U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said, “I think it was another great game. We played very well in the first half. I think we dominated the game against a very tough team.”
“When the drawing happened in December, I thought this was going to be really difficult.”
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