World Cup:Italy and Ukraine

Italy 1 Australia 0

Photo: World Cup:Italy and Ukraine

Totti 95’ penalty

It took Italy 95 minutes and a penalty to be able to beat Australia in a game of breath-taking end-to-end football in which Materazzi was sent off after 50’. The Italians had the experience to manage the game, waiting for extra time and ended up with the result. Two corners apiece and Italy’s 11 shots to 8 do not represent the ball possession, 59% to 41% in favour of Australia.

Switzerland 0 Ukraine 0 a.e.t (0 - 3 penalties)

0 - 0 after 90’

0 - 0 after 120’

Penalties

Yesersky

Rebrov

Gusev

Why Barnetta was not shown a second yellow card after 78’ would be the same reason why Grichting was not shown a card when he manhandled Voronin off the ball on the edge of the area after 85’. Perhaps it was the same reason why Totti scored a penalty after 95’ and why the Republic of Korea advanced so far in 2002.

Now that we see there is a taboo on speaking about this in the “bought press”, we can ask here categorically why FIFA does not spend more money on refereeing and less on chauffeur-driven limos for corrupt officials.

Tomorrow: Brazil v Ghana Spain v France

Quarter-finals: Germany v Argentina Portugal v England Italy v Ukraine

Brazil or Ghana v Spain or France

Semi-Finals:

Germany or Argentina v Italy or Ukraine

England or Portugal v Brazil/Ghana or Spain/France

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY

PRAVDA.Ru