USA coach Bruce Arena claims his team fail to get the rub of the green when they play the game's "superpowers".

Arena saw two of his players - Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope - receive red cards in Saturday's feisty clash with Italy, who also had a player sent off.

And Arena feels the major footballing nations are always going to get the better of the refereeing decisions.

"I think it's natural that the powers in the game probably get a little bit more respect from the officials," Arena said.

"That's not unusual in any sport. One day the US will get some of those calls in its favour."