Controversial No-Call on Handball Costs USMNT in Gold Cup Final vs. Mexico

The US men's national soccer team did not deserve to win the Gold Cup Final against Mexico on Sunday night. But they earned the right to attempt.

Midway through the second half, a United States attack into the box resulted in a clear handball in the penalty area.

The hand prevented the ball from squirting back at a US player.  It did not appear to be purposeful, yet it affected the ball's route. No penalties were called on the field.

Nothing changed when the video assistant referee looked at the action. 

That's a difficult call live, depending on where the referee is positioned.  But that is precisely what the VAR is for.

Would it have been an unlucky penalty given to Mexico?  Sure.  However, it would not have been easy to argue.

Mexico defeated the United States 2-1, with a goal that required offside to be overturned by the smallest of margins to count.

If VAR had been used in this game as well, the teams could have played till late at night.