For many reasons, I was supporting Italy in the World Cup Final this morning. Having spent a month in Italy last year, my wife being part Italian, and Italy knocking out Australia early in the tournament all led me to follow the Azzuri.

With the dubious penalty to France in the first half, and Zidane’s head explosion in extra time, Italy deserved to win, though going by the general play, France had the upper hand for much of the match. It would not have been a World Cup final without some controversy.

I love to watch football, and I know the diving part of the game, though it frustrates me no end to see players get away with faking an injury. I agree with a commentator the other day who suggested that they should introduce video referees who can penalize players after the game for obviously faked fouls.

I would also like to see those with an ‘injury’ given a compulsory break of 5 minutes, or otherwise substitute another player. For soccer to take off in this country, this is the area of the game they need to clean up.

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Australia’s dream run at the World Cup of Football has come to an end in a spectacular and frustratingly disappointing manner.

Australia was able to hold Italy scoreless for nearly the whole game, until literally the last few seconds of regular time when Italy was awarded a dubious penalty, winning the game 1-0. Who knows what would have happened in extra time and penalty shoot-out if it went that far, Australia had had more possession and more shots on goal and it seemed to be only a matter of time before they scored.

All this was helped by one of the Italian players being sent off early in the second half. Australia failed to capitalize on having an extra man and maybe did not deserve to win the game. In the end, the Aussies must be proud of what they have achieved and putting up a good battle with Italy they have again demonstrated their potential to the world.

I finally bit the bullet and headed into the streets to watch the game live on a large screen in Lygon Street, the Italian area of town, with thousands of others who also braved the cold.

After the final whistle had blown, and the reality of what had happened sunk in, the crowd slowly and quietly drifted away, back to their bed – maybe to dream about what might have been.

Related Pages: Soccer, Football World Cup, Italy at the WC, Australia at the WC

Another exciting day for Australia with the Socceroos at the World Cup drawing with Croatia, doing just enough to go through to the second round, to play Italy next week.

I couldn’t bring myself to head into Federation Square in Melbourne city to watch the game at 5 am with the thousands gathered there, though, in the end, it would have been a great place to enjoy the spectacle. Instead, I curled up at home on the couch with the heater on, which was not too bad either.

There were a lot of anxious moments, with Australia behind for much of the match. A penalty to Craig Moore and a field goal to Harry Kewell got us through. The team has surpassed all expectations and done a lot for the sport at home. There are plenty more sleepless nights to come.

Related Pages: Soccer, Football World Cup, Croatia at the WC, Australia at the WC, Craig Moore profile, Harry Kewell profile

Australian striker Harry Kewell lost his cool and had words to say with the central referee after the Socceroos game the other night.

He was obviously upset and disappointed with the seemingly one-sided free-kick count against Australia and his lack of finishing with the chances he had. But the way he showed his disappointment was not a good example to the thousands of young soccer fans that were watching, and FIFA understandably take a hard line against such actions.

Fortunately for Australia’s chances, he was cleared to play in the next match, an important one for Australia looking to make it through to the second round.

But it would be good if he could still make amends for it. Maybe with some good sportsmanship and a winning performance in the next game we will forgive him.

Related Pages: Soccer, Football World Cup, Australia at the WC, Harry Kewell profile