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Im sorry, but thats 100% wrong. The guy runs across the line of the cross, taking defenders with him. Any time a player is marked and is actively running into space or seeking posession, he will be judged as interfering with play.
There is no possible interpretation that he wasnt interfering with play. No competent linesman would ever make that call in this situation.
As for the fact he was being held - thats probably true - but the guy was pulling him backwards - not pushing him forwards into an offside position. Its one of those grey area's in football. If he was held like that outside the box, it would be a free kick, but in the penalty area people get away with holding on a routine basis. Within the rules of the game - if the guy wasnt offside a penalty could have been awarded - but given that he didnt get to the ball its unlikely that you would see it.
At the end of the day, not giving the goal was the correct decision. When a decision goes against your team its understandable to be angry and upset - and I would be too, but you have to be able to look at impartially after the event. This wasnt robbery, this was a goal disallowed in a situation where a US player is marginally offside.
If the defender is also judged to have fouled the guy the ref can book him for foul play if he wants, but the offside status of the player takes precedence over the foul committed against him.
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"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."
The Gospel of Thomas
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