Commentary
USA-Jamaica Men's World Cup Qualifying Player Ratings
- by Mike Woitalla @MikeWoitalla, Oct 7, 2021
Oct. 7 in Austin, Texas
USA 2 Jamaica 0. Goals: Pepi 49, 62.
Att.: 20,500.
A relentless U.S. attack -- the Jamaicans fouled to stifle a pair of first-half breakaways -- surged as its supporting cast improved in the second half. The 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi scored both goals, assisted by two 20-year-olds, for a 2-0 home win in their fourth game of the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
USA Player Ratings
(1=low; 5=middle; 10=high.)
GOALKEEPER
Matt Turner made a nice diving stop -- his only save -- on Jamal Lowe's 41st-minute effort, albeit a shot that didn't have much power on it. Impressive was Turner's distribution. He bowled the ball smartly to Sergino Dest on what turned into a goalscoring counterattack to make it 1-0.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
6
Matt Turner (New England Revolution) 11/0 (27)
Right back Sergino Dest proved capable of attacking deep in Reggae Boyz territory but failed to deliver in the first half. He improved significantly in the second half. On the first goal, Dest brought the ball upfield and when he received it back from Yunus Musah, delivered it to Ricardo Pepi to head home for the 49th minute lead. Dest kept the ball in bounds with a nifty touch during the buildup to the second goal. Left back Antonee Robinson missed two teammates with a low pass from the wing after Brenden Aaronson set him on a promising run on the 20th minute. His next attempt to deliver into the middle was a high cross easily blocked by a Jamaican. But Robinson also improved in the second half, and he fed Aaronson to set up Pepi's second goal. Despite his inconsistent touches, Robinson's forays kept the Jamaican defense on its heels. Central Walker Zimmerman won the header that sparked the first U.S. attack. He robbed Shamar Nicholson on Jamaica's first promising counterattack, in the 26th minute. In the 71st minute, he intercepted a ball while defending in the Jamaica's half. His central defending partner Miles Robinson's flawed pass in the 15th minute went unpunished and otherwise he defended solidly.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
7
Sergino Dest (Barcelona/ESP) 14/1 (20)
6
Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) 18/2 (28)
5
Miles Robinson (Atlanta United) 13/2 (24)
6
Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG) 16/1 (24)
Tyler Adams mainly swept in front of the backline and covered for his midfield partners, an important duty as Weston McKennie roamed to various parts of the field. Adams sent the pass to Antonee Robinson during the buildup on the second goal. By often moving forward quickly, McKennie kept the Jamaican midfield unbalanced, which proved of great value late in the game as the Jamaicans failed to attain any momentum in hopes of a comeback. Yunus Musah was among those who improved in the second half, his composure on the ball contributed to U.S. dominance, and his combo with Dest set up the first goal. He also took part in the buildup on the second goal, relaying the ball from the right to the left flank.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
7
Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP) 7/0 (18)
6
Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig/GER) 18/1 (22)
7
Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA) 26/7 (23)
The best frontline performance in recent history. Within seconds of kickoff, Ricardo Pepi got fouled as he relayed a pass from Brenden Aaronson and sent Paul Arriola storming toward goal -- until fouled by Kemar Lawrence. Referee Reon Radix didn't invoke DOGSO and Lawrence escaped with a yellow (while the hit on Pepi went unpunished). In the 33rd minute, Aaronson robbed Damion Lowe and passed to Arriola. When Aaronson received the crisp return pass from Arriola, Lowe took him down with a foul from behind. (Again, Radix showed only a yellow.) Aaronson's dynamic play -- which included making himself available to midfield passes -- unfortunately wasn't complemented by finishing acumen. His four shots were off target. But his delivery to Pepi on the second goal was beyond reproach. The 18-year-old Pepi scored the first with an acrobatic header and he timed his run perfectly to lunge onto Aaronson to score his third goal in two games.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
7
Paul Arriola (D.C. United) 40/8 (26)
9
Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas) 2/3 (18)
8
Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT) 11/5 (20)
SUBSTITUTES
Among the impressive aspects of the U.S. win: It defended its lead by storming toward the Jamaican goal, led by relentless wide forays of Tim Weah and his ability to shed defenders on the dribble. Gyasi Zardes failed to convert three chances (or half-chances) but he helped ensure that the Reggae Boyz had to focus on losing by less rather than threatening a comeback.
Player (Club) caps/goals (age)
6
Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew) 63/14 (30)
7
Tim Weah (Lille/FRA) 14/1 (21)
5
Luca de la Torre (Heracles/NED) 4/0 (23)
5
Shaq Moore (Tenerife/ESP) 12/1 (24)
5
Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids) 41/2 (26)
TRIVIA: Ricardo Pepi became the U.S. youngest player to score in back-to-back World Cup qualifying matches. And at 18 years, 272 days, the second youngest American to score multiple goals in a game, behind Christian Pulisic.
Oct. 7 in Austin, Texas
USA 2 Jamaica 0. Goals: Pepi 49, 62.
USA -- Turner; Dest (Moore, 77), Zimmerman, M.Robinson, A.Robinson; Musah (de la Torre, 77), Adams (Acosta, 83), McKennie; Arriola, Pepi (Zardes, 68), Aaronson (Weah, 68).
Jamaica -- Blake; Powell (Brown, 84), D.Lowe, Mariappa, Lawrence; De Cordova-Ried (East, 71), Williams, Magee (Roofe, 61), Watson, J.Lowe (Flemmings, 61); Nicholson.
Yellow cards: USA -- none; Jamaica -- Lawrence 2, D.Lowe 34. Red cards: none.
Referee: Reon Radix (Grenada)
Att.: 20,500.
USA/Jamaica
Shots: 17/5
Shots on target: 7/1
Saves: 1/5
Corner Kicks: 7/2
Fouls: 10/9
Offside: 1/0
Possession: 61%/39%
I haven't felt it Necessary to post my Pre-Game thoughts or Line-ups; because as I Posted when Ream Withdrew;
Santiago 1314, October 2, 2021 at 7:43 a.m.
I hope Tim's Family is OK... But, this is a Blessing in Disguise... He would be a Good Addition to the Coaching Staff, Because I have Never Heard of them, We need some Experience around Ggg.
I have Confidence in All the Roster, except Ream... I think a Lack of a Power/Lukaku type Ct.F(Dike, Pefok, Wright) could be an issue against Packed Defenses... But, if we can continue to Break Down Defenses with, GegenPressing, Runs Out of the Midfield, and Tiki-Taka Combos on the Wing, they won't be Needed... Great Job... 10s for everyone, Including Ggg.!!!
Good to finally see Tim Weah healthy showing his quickness and speed. Had he been in the starting 11 vs. Arriola, the US might have scored 5 goals or more,methinks.
Peter, until Weah can LEARN to Press in the USA system, He can NOT Start; and that Goes for any of the Forwards... AT THIS Stage of USMNT Development... We are still Primarily "Winning" Off "GegenPress"... This has now shown to be True of Reyna also...We can "Carry" (1) Forward who is only So-So at Pressing... In the Past this has been CP.... Now it is Pepi....That is why Sargent was Starting; because he could Press, even if he Didn't Score, he and Aaronson could "Cover" for CP or Reyna... Now, Arriola(Who Looked like he was 18.!!!.Wow) Arriolla was the Original Pressing Forward before these YOUNGSTERS came along...Last night he Showed that he is Still Excellent at Forward Pressing... So, in order for Weah or Reyna to Start ahead of Arriola, (Consistemtly) they are going to have to work on their "Team Play" "GegenPress" ... That is why I have Advocated for Moving Reyna back to AM... But, Looks like Musah gonna take that Spot, Unless Musah takes McKenNIE spot.???... What Nice Problems to Have.!!!... That's why I am Not to Worried anymore... Like Hugo Perez said: USA is 3 Teams Deep; ... Ggg just needs to Pick the ones that are Fitting the CONcacaCrApF Qualification Demands... #1; PRESS ALL OVER THE FIELD.!!! .... #2; RUN WITH THE BALL(Forcing Fouls and Defensive Domino Principle) 3#; SOME NICE LITTLE TIKI-TAKA COMBOS ON WINGS, followed by Slashing Crosses along the 6 yard line..... It's NOT Brain Surgery.!!!... K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid)...
Santi, I certainly applaud a good effort from Arriola last night, but let's not kid ourselves even a little that he's in the conversation for top-choice starting 11. I'm also fairly certain that BT the end of this window he will clearly behind Weah, let alone CP/Reyna/Aaronson.
Definitiely a good soldier now as always, but he ain't making the WC roster, let alone starting in WC.
Seth, you probably correct....Nov of 2022 is a Long Way away... Gonna be Tough for Paul to Hold Off All these Youngsters... But, he Does Play BOTH WINGS...Only seen Aaronson Doing that so far... In a #s Game, that could be the Difference in making the 23...
Again, Such a Nice Problem to have.!!!!
Not a huge fan of Arriola's but love his heart and passion. Also, watch his run on the first Pepi goal. He cuts inside and pulls the Jamaican left back inside, opening up a huge lane for Dest, allowing Musah to leave nice slow ball for Dest who put it onto Pepi's head on a platter.
His pulldown 20 seconds into the game should have been a red card via DOGSO, but the rookie Cuban ref blew the call and gave a yellow.
Arriola does a lot of the little things that don't show up in the box score, and his finishing in the final third is almost non-existent. but he's a net positive, even if I'd rather see Weah or Hoppe with Aaronson as a wing pairing.
These ratings are generally accurate, though I'm not quite ready to coronate Pepi as the next Pele. He may be, I just haven't seen him enough. Against Jamaica, he was a non-factor, until he scored (though it was his pass that forced the foul on Arriola in the first 20 seconds). Which seemed reminiscent of the Honduras game. Maybe that's just how he rolls. Nice goal (good positioning, ball was behind him so it was not easy). The 2nd goal was much easier (though credit to him for making the run to get him in position). He's certainly shown a knack for scoring goals, and if he can keep that up, then annoint him I shall. But a 9 seems a tad high.
Aaronson and Arriola both were effective, A. Robinson teamed up pretty well with them (we had a lot of success getting behind the defense, which is always good). Dest created problems on the other flank. McKinnie is a pretty unique player; he can be an effective destroyer (though he roams so much he can't be counted on to defend space) and he can often unhinge a defense with his combination of power and skill. He's very good at using his body, and his first step is surprisingly fast. I didn't think he had the greatest of games, but he certainly keeps the opponents off balance so I like having him on the field, even if people (Adams, mostly) have to cover for him. Musa did well in the 2nd half (he can carry the ball at speed in a crowd, and we don't have a lot of players that can do that). Weah was very impressive coming off the bench. And Turner actually had a good game with his feet, so a lot of improvement there.
It was a game we should have won, and needed to win, and we did. It was also pretty entertaining, so all in all a good night for the US.
Kent,
I agree with you on Pepi. He had himself in the correct spots for the center striker, but his overall game performance with hold up play, touches and passes was not very good. More like a 5 or 4 in my thoughts. I was laughing my butt off at the comments from the announcers about how Pepi should not go to Europe if given the chance just to possibly sit, when he could continue to play for FC Dallas and score goals. Are you kidding me. I stated in another post that he needs to get to Europe to develop as a complete striker. The best scorers in US history Donovan, Dempsey and Altidore all grew their games in Europe. Pepi will never reach his potential staying in the US. He has moved himself into a favorable position scoring goals for the US and I think you will most likely see Dike not remain on USMNT squad for the WC. It will be Pepi, Sargeant and Pefolk.
I also agree the Turner showed improvement with his feet for keeper and so the race will heat up for starting keeper very soon if this trend continues. Obviously Steffan will not start the next game as he can't even travel to Panama.
Well said Kent... Saved me alot of typing.,!!!
If Pepi were still on the pitch for Weah's ball that Zardes couldn't quite get on the end of...would have been 3-0. Weah's was definitely 'hotter' than Aaronson's but should have been finished and would have been by a kid who clearly understands space and timing better than our other strikers.
We don't need a striker to get 50 touches with this group, we just need one that knows how to get available for service and finish. He's also shown in two games he knows how to put others in on goal too.
He definitely needs to move to Europe, and certainly will (probably sooner than later), none of the announcers said he shouldn't, they just all correctly said that he (like any promising young player) needs to be smart about the move and not get locked into a place where he can't get on the pitch. LOTS of places in Europe would be great, a few that wouldn't.
2 Teams Looking for Tiki-Taka Ct.Forward... ManCity, Farcá... Wouldn't surprise me if he goes to either... Good Move for his Style of Play... Could go in Jan. And be Starting in the Champions League... 30 million probably... i'd rather see Farcelona actually... Better chance to play... I suspect they will end up in Euro League Final; IMAGINE THE SHIRT SALES, Team would make back their 30 mil VERY QUICKLY.!!!
Congrats on the Needed Win
A better performance by all players with a better tactical plan. I think most of the rating are accurate, with the exception of Pepi. He did his job by scoring two high quality services to the center of the box. His hold up play, first touches and most passes were not good at all. The worst player for us was M. Robinson on the evening. A lot of his passes were errant and some defending decisions were not good. A better team will punish us badly.
The US finally won the midfield battle, the first in four games. Actually attacking through the middle is what was needed. This makes both the centerbacks and fullbacks have to move central and allowed our wingers to get passes wide that were inside the box to bring in quality service. The single biggest diffrence in the game in my opinion. It also allowed to switch the point of attack without passing back to the CBs at midfield. Adams was the only #6 with Musah and McKennie playing more up the field allowed the back line to be broken a bit more. These two guys dribbling into midfield space caused lots of problems. I hope people can now see why Musah should be on the pitch because he is good on the ball and is good in traffic. There were times we slowed the passing back down and the team stalled. Fortunately, Jamaica was lacking a couple of key players to punish some errant passes. We did not press too effectively, but winning the midfield battle prevented most counterattack possibilities with the few long balls that found Jamaican attacking players.
Getting ready for the next game we must keep the same type of approach of attacking through the center. Play needs to focus on quick give and goes between the wingers, O-Mid and strikers near the top of the box. If we do this, as Santi stated we don't need the big central #9, all of those players in combination play could score. GB still needs to consider a back 3 line and play Dest and A. Robinson as wingbacks instead of fullbacks. Much easier to press to help protect the backline.
This match was something to build on, but I can't get excited because this Jamaica side is not the Jamaica of 20 years ago. It appeared to me that Jamaica came out tired for the second half. Having little possession can be exhausting.
As for the coaching, I don't like joystick coaching, not even for 9 year olds. End of comment.
The bottom line: you can't get more than 3 points. A good result is what mattered. Now we focus on the next match.
Bob, I assume you're saying that Coach B is joystick coaching, is that true? I'm in the dark on that one and agree it shouldn't be done. Joystick coaching is bad for player development and impossible when the game is too fast (futsal) or noisy. Not only that, if the team gets used to constant sideline instructions, then they become a team that isn't playing instinctively.
Bob, Some of those Jamaica players, in the 2nd half looked like You and Me these days... The Spirit is Willing, but The Body is Not... With all the "No Shows", I thought for awhile they were going to call Hue Menzies out of Coaching... Like that 60 year old Guy from Surinam.!!!
Philip, "joystick" indicates overcoaching. Coaching is good, but too much is not. At one point in the broadcast it is readily apparent. GB is shown at the bottom of the picture constantly signalling with his hands readjusting the positions of his players. That is great during training, but professional players should be coachable enough that they can follow a game plan taught during training without having a coach constantly tell them "where to stand" and what to do. GB is constantly talking to either the fourth official or the players during matches. Just because some USSF licensed coaches manage games this way doesn't make it a best practice. Micromanagement instead of delegation usually is just a function of someone's personality.
Just because the laws permit it, doesn't mean its a good idea.
Historically, players on the field were giving necessary signals and ensuring coodinated movement. Classic example is a CB telling the backs to push up higher. A CM is well positioned to coordinate a high press. This ensures that the midfielders support the forward line. More often on my teams the press was cued by the CF's movement, as everyone could see him or her. The last thing you need is a coach yelling when he wants to spring an offside trap or a delayed press taking away the surprise advantage.
Heck at one point you can clearly hear him yelling at Musah or Dest to go all the way up the wing on the right side attack. I am thinking to myself, am I watching a high school or parent at a soccer match directing players where to go exactly?!?! He is definitely playing FIFA on his X-Box or PS4.
I hope we won't follow Taylor Twat or Twellman the announcer his descriptive enthusiasm of Pepi's first or second goal. I know American fans are hardup for scoring goals and therefore are excited that someone actually scored 2 goals. Anyone could have scored these 2 goals against thid pathetic defense Jamaica offered.
On the first goal , it was the assist from Dest that looked nice. It was a one-touch spin ball, with just enough velocity and Accuracy. Notice how he held back on the power given to the pass for the unguarded Pepi to head it in. Note the Jamaican defense ,was split in two. One, by Dest it was 4v1in Jamaica's favor and by Pepi it was in favor of the US 4v1. As as matter fact, 3 US player of which 2 right behind Pepi were ALL UNGUARDED!!
Pepi's second goal again was due to bad Jamaican defense. All he had to do was slide and knock it in, unguarded.As far I was concerned Pepi didn't do anything out there and in the first half you didn't even see him, the ball just happen to come to him while totally open.
The two goals by Pepi could have been scored Sargent, and all of sudden it could have been Sargent's night, for he needs one badly..This is what I would call where a player needs a little luck to jump start his career. This was the perfect night for Sargent.
What I do stress is that we HAVE to penetrate towards the endline for it forces not only the opponent's defense to come all the way back and as a result it gives us more space in front of the goal between us and the opponent's backline. This is why we need a rightfooted flank attacker ,in this case, Dest to cross the ball. Our attackers up front are right footed and therefore they head the ball best with the left side of their forehead. And a rightfooted cross bends away therefore giving the rightfooted player more power with heading the ball since it is coming to him and away from the goalie, in other words, a clockwise spin on the ball.
NEXT POST.....
The leftback Robinson, needs to play more efficient, he runs too much with the ball, VROOM VROOM. He ran with the ball 30meters ,full speed and then makes a 5meter pass to Arriola in front of him....Instead of passing 30meters to increase the attacking tempo, he slows it down by running as fast as possible giving everybody on the Jamaican time to setup defensively.
I see this so often ,where an upcoming back runs with ball all the way down the flank, WHY?. This is the most dumbest thing you can do, because everybody in town especially the opponents sees where you're going, allowing them time to set up defensively.
The only time the back should receive the ball on attack down the flank is when he arrives in the oppenent's third then it gives the opponents little time to adjust defensively. For example, Adams is playing the #6 but he lacks the intelligence for that role. He always passes in the direction of his dribble or where he's going. I could go home and snooze and come back later and knowing where that ball will end up. He's a piano carrier and that's what he's good. We lack a good passing #6, unfortunately.
I would suggest that Robinson should not receive the ball until he gets in the opponent's third ,for then he will become more of a threat, only because he's given more time with the ball and he has a leftfoot...
Furthermore , we will score more goals if we penetrate more down the flank towards the endline, becuase the more or closer you get to endline, the more difficult it becomes for the defenders to see the ball and the opponent........
PENETRATING DOWN THE FLANK FORCES THE DEFENDER TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MAN OR BALL BUT CAN'T DO BOTH
I agree with most of the ratings. My main criticism is toward Antonee Robinson. Frank, his upfield runs didn't bother me- as the article states, it helped unhinge the defense. What bothered me was Robinson's terrible final pass. Repeatedly he ran upfield with confidence, opening up space, and follows it up with poorly hit crosses- either overhit or well behind the intended player. He had Aarenson wide open with a great run, and the simplest pass to Aaronson eludes him, it went 2 yards behind Aaronson. Terrible! And this happened repeatedly from Robinson. We would have scored several first half goals if Robinson can get his crosses on target.
Weah is terrific! He deserves a start next game. It was really nice for once to see a group of subs to positively effect the game, keeping up the pressure. Would loved to have seen Zardes score on his slider- wish he had anticipated the pass better.
But I have renewed belief. And to top it off, Canada tied Mexico in Mexico!
Go USA!!!!
Frans ,I see your but ,for example, his to Ariola right away would created the same effect. The difference of him running with the ball such a long distance only give the opponents more time to shift defensively.... What should have happened is that Ariola should have cut inward thereby taking an opponent with him and at the same giving Robinson the whole on the flank....
Robinson if he was serious pro than he should be working on his crosses a half hour after practice, on the run and standing still. Ronaldo, Koeman would do that....
Frans, dank je wel, for the info on Canada, I will look at that...., and Holland vs Letland, ESPN+
The one Techical Problem that Jumps Out on A.Rob is that he Has "Ballerina" Feet... He runs on his Toes and Contacts the Ball with the Smallest Part of his Foot; The Laces and his Toe is Pointed Down...So when he goes to Cross, he Does No get a Good "Wrap" around the Ball... Why is a Ronaldo Free Kick so Dangerous.???... Because he Strikes it with the Laces and therefore creates No Spin... A "KnuckleBall" for all who know Baseball pitches.... It is Good for Baffling Goalkeepers, but Not for Crossing... Similar issue for him when he Dribbles; Ball "Jumps" Away from him on 1st Touch, Because Toe is Down... and he has to work Harder to Clean Up his own Mess... His Speed has Helped him to "Hide" this Tecnical Deficiency.... But, if you want the Team to play Out Of The Back, it is Just a Matter of Time before he Turns The Ball Over, to a Good Team that can Punish USA....Same thing happened to McKenZIE vs Mexico, They set Up the "Trap" Play and got a Goal on us...That is why I see Vines as the Eventual #1 Left Back... Scally might be the "Happy Medium" ... Not a Big Problem at the Moment, but we Shall See.!!!
Santi, I don't like to see A.robinson receives the ball to his feet for any pass that leaves his feet has little effect to the game. I prefer for him to receive the ball on the run and only in the opponents half. The only way he should receive an attacking pass is for him to penetrate down the end line, thereby drawing out defenders.
You're right about his dribbling , I would call it 'twinkle toes'...As far as crosses, he's got none . He does not have a nice touch on the ball for a cross....He lacks a feel for the ball and that is seen in his crosses and dribbling...
Gents,
You guys point out why I am still not an A. Robinson fan with the team playing a back 4. He does well enough defending, but can't help break down a defense with the ball at his feet. Not the way Dest can do this on the right side. I think Scally, or Bello will be better for this at this point. Sam Vines has more skills sets needed for an attaching fullback. Better to go with a back three and play another midfielder in this role for the offense, maybe Musah since he plays wide in the 4-4-2 at his club. Dest can play fullback or wingback in a 3-4 formation. Against the better teams we will face there will no real attack down our left flank with A. Robinson on the pitch. I don't see the potential there as you guys already stated with his technique issues.
Ref gets a 2 for missing at least 1 DOGSO call. The second yellow was just wrong; either a DOGSO red or no-call. Christina Unkel breaks it down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igFnqjO9u5c
Very difficult situation for the ref (compounded by it being 20 seconds into your first WC qualifying match). It's also important to note the Pepi got badly fouled just after making the pass, so the ref may have stayed on that for a second. The Jamaican player puts his hand on Ariola's shoulder (as many players do, a habit I hate), Ariola goes down. I don't think the Jamaican pulled him hard enough to pull him down, so Ariola milked it. If the Jamaican had been trying to play fairly, and barely bumped Ariola and he went down, I wouldn't call it. But since the Jamaican is trying to cheat, I have no problem with Ariola going down easily, and no problem calling the foul against the Jamaican. Technically, it should have been a red card (and I would've applauded the ref for making such a gutsy call). Had the foul been enough to bring Ariola down, I would say it had to be a red. As it was, I understand why the ref gave him a yellow. I also thought Ariola might've been offside (it looked that way but they never showed the right angle to be able to tell for sure), and that may have entered the ref's mind as well (he'd hate to eject a player in the first 20 seconds and then find out later the offside should have prevented the ejection).
On the 2nd call, I agree with Christina (who's general take was excellent). Probably not a foul (and a very close call). But if you call it, it's got to be a red (there is no more goalscoring opportunity than that). Some might argue that the tackle was done with excessive force (I'm sure PG would say that), so even if the defender gets the ball first (which he did) it's still a foul, and that's a fair consideration, though not an obvious call for me.
The CR had two exceptionally challenging calls, and he hedged his bets. Lamentable, but understandable, and luckily it had no effect on the outcome on the game. On the other hand, the near side AR missed 2 pretty easy calls, twice calling the ball out while it was still pretty clearly on the line. Refereeing can be tough!
Two take-aways from this; we need VAR for these important games (and as Kasey Keller said, if countries don't have the capability, let them pick one stadium for their WC qualifiers and let FIFA equip the stadium). Had their been VAR in the qualifiers to the last WC, the US would've been in the playoff (somebody, Honduras?, was awarded a goal in Panama that allowed them to win and the TV replays showed it was clearly not over the line).
The 2nd is the red card rule needs to be revised; eject the player, let the team replace him if they have subs. I'm sure the ref would've had less hesitancy to pull out the red if it didn't change the game so dramatically.
Kent, getting the ball first has nothing to do with whether a tackle was careless.
Bob if you don't get the ball first, it's a foul. If you do get the ball first it is not, unless you've used excessive force or endangered your opponent.