yeah, that penalty was a terrible decision. Tears were shed after that penalty went through, but no blame to Mark Schwartzer, he did a great job

Yeah, the World Cup is great! IMO though, the penalty today was the right decision (after listening to the commentators after the game). The player went down too early and then lied in the person's way, obstructing his path to the net. It wasn't the tripping that got the penalty for, it was the fact that he lied there to prevent him from reaching the net so close to the net, which isn't allowed. Also, it could be argued that the red card towards Italy wasn't worthy of a red card (since it really was only a yellow cardable offence).

Although I'll admit, I REALLY wanted to see that game go into a shootout!!! Ah well, at least the Swiss vs Ukraine game did.

No way was it a penalty, if obsrtuction were to be given it would have been an indirect free kick not a penalty.

death919 you have no idea what you are talking about. In no way was that a penaltybecause the Italian was the one that tripped over Lucas Neill so in no way was it a penalty. Plus the Italian dived.

YOU ARE ON DRUGS YOU NUTTER!!! THAT WAS NO PENALTY AND ANYONE THAT THINKS IT WAS HAS TO KEEP LOOKING AT THE REPLAY

I agree, the judges were terrible (even the side ones), as they were in most of tight games on the Cup this year. I really think Australia deserved better (no patriotic feelings since I'm even on another continent), but I guess that's the price you have to pay when you're playing with the nation who was most of the time known as the champion. After the game, our commentators said that all of the great nations went down in the games, but I'd say Australia just got up: got better.
It was truly a great game from the Australian side: two thumbs up! Too bad it had to come out this way.

Sure the Italians are masters of the art of diving...which is such a shame,the don't need to resort to those tactics to win...Oz were screwed over this time though,really hard luck to you guys...Hey,at least you qualified for the WC!

The Aussies did a great job, I'm lucky they have gotten so far. Today I'm going to watch Brasil:Ghana with my wife at a local pub, she's Brazilian....

Yeah the Netherlands were wiped out by Portugal, it's a shame.

But hey, the Aussies were doing really good, by the lead of Guus Hiddink.

Guus Hiddink is Dutch just like me
He lives in the town of Varseveld, which is about 25 kilometers from the place where I live

Never saw that one coming, did you?

I watched that game. It was no where near a foul. I agree with some speculation that is going around at the moment - FIFA didn't want a new country into the Top 8 -- even in the Top 16. Thats why we got crap refs. It would make more sense ...

Ahem, what about Materazzi's sent-off

Yes not a send off but not worth a direct goal either!!

Abysmal refereeing throughout the tournament has been detrimental to Australia & their chances of further progression. We can all thank the Japanese coach who labelled Australia as too physical. That has proved to be costly because it has been cemented in FIFA's & the refereeing fraternity's psyche.

RIOT, RIOT!!

Are you a football fan????

Yes, you

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

I have never really been a sports fan. I like to play them but watching them is a bit boring unless it is surfing or skateboarding. Those get me pumped up to learn new tricks and get my butt off the sofa. I hope there is no favoritism going on, it ruins everything.