World Cup: Australia V Croatia *if you don't want to see the result dont read*

Australia and Croatia have drawn 2-all in their world cup match, meaning Australia advances to the round of 16 after finishing 2nd in their pool behind Brazil.

The game was an absolute dogfight. Lots of physical play which lead to a lot of poor refereeing decisions for both sides. Both teams gave their all and Croatia looked set to win, until Harry Kewell capitalised on a header from John Aloisi and swerved the ball past a Croatian defender and into their goal to draw level at 2-all in the 79th minute and essentially put Australia into the next round. Kewell was simply brilliant the entire second half having some good striking opportunities which were only denied by the skill of the Croatian goalie, Pletikosa.

The last 10 minutes was a nail biter as Croatia had several close shots at goal, and a player from each side was red carded as the referee went card crazy. He gave so many out he forget that he had already given Croatia's Josip Simunic 2 already and gave him a 3rd before giving him a red to send Croatia's second player off the field. By that stage it didn't matter, the game was into injury time and finished in a draw.

Australia now plays Italy in their next game whilst Croatia bows out of the World Cup.

Goals:
2. SRNA Darijo (2′) - Croatia
3. MOORE Craig (38′ PEN) - Australia
10. KOVAC Niko (56′) - Croatia
10. KEWELL Harry (79′) - Australia

 

Yes, it was a good game. The referee had a nightmare. It's a good thing Australia went through. I shudder to think what would be happening now if they hadn't.

 

If they hadn't they would be going home like Croats Pool is excellent referee but he just lost his mind, not only in the end, there were major mistakes in whole game... I'll just recall for big ones:

There was obvious penalty kick for Australia in 7" and yellow card for Simunic (vs. Viduka) - Igor Stimac was commenting on Croatian TV and after that situation he said that we (meaning both Croatia and Australia) will have problems with referee, and he was right.
When Tomas played with his hand for the penalty kick ref deicided to give Aussies a penalty kick. Check this situation: If there was a penalty in 7" believe me that ref wouldn't give Aussies another one, it would have been foul on Tomas before he touched the ball with his hand.
Third situation is another hand by Tomas. Nothing to add here. Obvious penalty kick, but not for Graham Pool.
Fourth situation is offside when Australia scored their second goal. Yes it was offside.
Now the yellow cards. Simunic had to get one in 7" and he would have gotten another one before one hour of play. He was just too nervous. But... He got his second card and he remained in the game! I've read today that if we went over in next round that the game would be played again! And it should have been!
Another situation was when Dario Simic got his red card. The problem was when Darijo Srna oushed the referee and the referee didn't get him yellow card. Yes, you are right, Srna already had one and it would have been red card!

bad, bad...

 

Unfortunately Australia will need a lot more to beat Italy.
I am looking forward to see that game: the cynical attitude of Italian football against the physical game of the Socceroos.

Could it be similar to the US-Italy match?

 

This is exactly what I was going to say about this match...

It would be good to continiue conversation in existing thread dedicated to WC: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?p=1037159#post1037159