Why do these idiots have to be referees? Any fruitcake would know that was not a penalty but the spanish idiot didn't.
I hoped Australia will win... pity that there wasn't an extra 30 min time usually italians have tons of luck when it comes to football - after today's match they didn't deserved to win - anyway life goes on
This World Cup has been hounded by poor officiating... that was a terrible call to make at that point in the game.
That was hard on Australia .You cannot exactly call it a dive but Grosso's momentum ensured he tripped. But Neill was not at fault. The poor chap will have to live that dreaded feeling for the rest of his life The aussies gave a good fight though
Yeah not bad on Australia's part, i was expecting Italy to dominate but they played well As soon as I heard the penalty call i was like :O and figured either Totti or Schwarzer would go home a hero (well not home, back to the hotel )
It was completely ridiculous the bloke didn't even touch Neils body but he still fell over lol ! The fact that Italy were being so pathetically arrogant before hand makes it all the worse. Australia deserved to win, and were cheated.
That's one thing I hate about the sport; THE FLOPPING! Especially by the European teams- the ref's need to start giving cards for that crap!
it's a pity the decision goes against Aussie this time. they were good though.. they are fighters. but.. you still need to put the ball into the goal to win! Italy is lucky this time..
Grosso can't pick up his foot and step over?? If they'd start calling diving (extremely unsportsmanlike as it is the equivalent of lieing) they wouldn't dive. The Football played in North America that is not called Soccer has players constantly jumping over fallen opponents and teammates, has players regaining balance, and they never fall down and cry whilst holding their protective equipment. Of course the primary objective is to stay on your feet and move forward not to create fouls. Are the refs allowed to correct themselves after making a bad call?
They are allowed to correct themselves but obviously then the Italy fans would be angry, and the ref would look even worse.
Italy lucky? Look at 2002 World Cup. It was a foul due to obstruction. But yes, Australia played well and deserved to be in extra time. Also one must remember that Italy played with 10 men for the whole 2nd half. And Materazzi did not deserve a red card. A yellow would have been fine
Totally bogus decision. The australian player was not at fault and the ref`s decision was totally wrong , specially on overtime. The australian player went for the ball and did not block him, the italian player made no effort to avoid him and took a dive. Bad luck for the aussies this time.They played a great game compared to Italy that decided to stick to their catenaccio.
Yes, the Italians wouldn't be happy but the refs would look better if they corrected obvious errors rather than acting like they didn't mess up. FIFA should improve its officiating if it expects to gain popularity in countries that have viable sporting alternatives.
Pathetically arrogant about what? They pride themselves on defence, that's not being arrogant they have one of, if not the best defence in the world. The one goal they have conceded in this World Cup was a home goal, that says something.
I don't think it was a penalty. At that stage in the match it should have been allowed to go to extra time, as it was an exciting game. Unlike the Switzerland Ukraine match which was like pulling teeth right through to extra time.