The Socceroos have done all Australians proud with their efforts at the world despite an early exit at the hands of Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo. Opinions are divided as to whether it should have been a penalty to Italy or a yellow card for diving. Of course, I am of the latter persuasion.
Australia, however, should have pressed their numerical advantage far more than what they did in the second half and forced the Italian keeper Buffon into more saves. And this is where I think the Socceroos lost the game.
A golden chance for the Aussies to move into the top eight was handed to them when another dubious decision was awarded to the Socceroos when Marco Bresciano was taken down by Italian defender Materazzi on the edge of the penalty box. Cantelajo produced a red card for this foul (which looked more like a yellow) and Italy were reduced to ten men.
Despite the amount of possession (60%) and the numerical advantage, Australia could not find the goal they needed to progress to the quarter finals. Italy played to their strength – defence – and thus played the Socceroos out of the game.
The master stroke came when Marcello Lippi brough on Francesco Totti. This opened the midfield up for the Italians and they were able make some counter attacks and eventually the penalty which secured the win for the Italians.
I was greatly upset when the penalty was awarded with eight seconds remaining. Australia would have been more than competitive against Ukraine in the following match. And then could have had a great upset in the semi against either germany or Argentina and make it into the final! Ah, what could have been!
Regardless, I am proud of the Socceroos and their fighting spirit. They have certainly put Australia on the football map.
Hold your heads high Socceroos and all Australians!
I am tipping either Germany or Argentina to win now – hopefully one of them will whip Italy in the semi. In my opinion, Italy does not deserve to be there considering the way they play and the luck that has been bestowed on them.