for the show is over for the Socceroos. They played against 10 men for 40 mins and having 60% of ball posession, but creating less shots on goal compared to the Azzuri team? A testimony to the Italian’s Catenaccio power or a show of lack of scoring abilities on the Socceroos part (especially with the two of their brighest stars (Kewell and Emerton) were not playing)?

A penalty given on the 90th minute is indeed very cruel, an insult really, especially when it’s apparent (from the replay) that no foul was committed. But this is soccer, it’s not predictable, who want to bet their life on Socceroos beating Uruguay and most recently Japan?

When Lucas Neill went for the sliding tackle on the penalty area, it was a high risk gamble, any defenders would have known that. Grosso did well beating one defender and on his way beating Neill as well, it’s a cunning play he pulled, but a classic nonetheless (remind you of Maradona’s hand of God?). And yep sadly, diving is part of the game nowadays.

In answering Amanda’s question “where did the italians have their acting classes”, apparently they have their training here (warning: it’s a 2.5 Mb video).

😛