The Italian Job

The poor Aussies.

They played way above expectations in this, their first World Cup finals in 32 years. They defended stoutly and ran with lung-busting efficiency. They just weren't that good up front. Only Tiny Tim (Cahill to Chelsea!!) and Mark Bresciano had any bite for the Socceroos throughout the whole tournament. Viduka looked way past his best and seemed to just stand there and occupy one marker and do little else.

I have to admit, I was secretly cheering them on to take the Azzurri to penalties. After their shootout triumph over Uruguay in the playoffs, I had confidence that the Aussies had the mental strength to pull one over the Italians.

Pity they had to succumb to the old sucker punch.

The Shakespearean fall in the penalty area.

After watching the replay and slow motion shots, that was hardly a penalty. I've seen old ladies crossing the street that warranted a penalty more than the one which was awarded to Italy. Nevertheless, Totti stepped up and placed the ball past Schwarzer, who guessed the right way, by the way.

If I had to pick a team which I enjoyed having at this World Cup, it would be these boys in Gold and Green (and also the Ivory Coast Elephants, but that's picking TWO teams if you want to be picky about it). They played each game with their hearts on their sleeves and left everything on the pitch. They brought a much-needed dose of straight up endeavour to these championships, which have seen it's fair share of simulation, sniping and players throwing tantrums like spolit, overpaid brats.

Thanks Australia.

"Waltzing Matilda... Waltzing Matilda... You'll go a waltzing Matilda with me...."

Kheva

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 1

Buggy

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 1

Christian

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 0 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 0 - 0

Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 3

xiaobabyduck

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 2

xiaobabyelle

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 1-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2-1

BG Yeo

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 1-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 0-0

J.S

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1-1

Hugo Jeans

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 1

Darth Dennis

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 0