We W-Aus Robbed

Italy 1 - 0 Australia


Just a few seconds before the final whistle, after nearly 3 minutes of extra time, the ten men of Italy were awarded a penalty. In the last kick of the match it was converted by Francesco Totti.


The beautiful game can't get any more cruel than this, but you would have to question just why, Aussie defender Lucas Neil sprawled over in tackling Fabia Grosso. It was surely asking for trouble, and when Grosso went down, the referee reasonably/questionably awarded a spot kick. Totti slammed the ball into the back of the net and that - as they say - was that!


Portugal 1 - 0 Holland


This game, the evening before Australia's demise was cruel for different reasons - twenty of them to be exact. Russian referee, Valentin Ivanov, issued 16 yellow cards and 4 reds, and may in future be known as Avemallov!


Although the actual football was pretty good, the game will be remembered more for its many cautions and dismissals. There were nasty fouls a plenty including, elbows in the face, a head butt and a horrible kick to Ronaldo's thigh because of which he had to retire.


So, high drama, but more like the Gunfight at OK Corral, than a football match. Italy will now meet Ukraine in the quarter finals, with what's left of Portugal lining up against England.


Tags:
soccer and football