They outplayed the champs
Despite a 2-0 score, Australia took it to the defending World Cup champions yesterday. The score in no way reflects the action in the game, and I dare say that Australia were more deserving of the victory. In the first half, the Socceroos contained the Brazillians with beautiful defence, and in the second half, their attack was inspiring, but unsuccessful. Brazil’s first goal should not have been allowed, since Ronaldo was in an offside position, and their second goal came in the 90th minute after the Australians were pressing for an equaliser. Harry Kewell had his chances after coming on to substitute Tim Cahill early in the second half. His best opportunity came after the Brazillian keeper, Dida, went up for a clearance and missed, leaving Kewell with an open net. Unfortunately, he sent his shot flying over the crossbar. Later in the game, he had a speculative shot from 40 metres out after he noticed Dida standing out from his goal - once again this shot went barely over the crossbar. Both Australian captain Mark Viduka and Marco Bresciano also chances on goal, but Viduka’s late chance agonisingly landed on top of the net, while Bresciano’s chance produced a great save from Dida. Also, I don’t know how the referee could call fouls on Australian players when the fouls were committed by the Brazillians? I know they are the World Champions, and with that title comes respect, but this is the World Cup - not the NBA. Games should be called fairly and with integrity - just because they’re Brazil doesn’t mean they’re perfect.
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You can clearly see Ronaldo offside in the replay
Australia is still in the driver’s seat to make it through in the second position from this group. Their final match is against Croatia, which should be a tough match. The Aussies only need a draw to make it through, but I would like to see the attacking style of football they displayed in the second half of the game against Brazil. Australia are a phenomonal team when they play that style of aggressive soccer. They have the fitness to get back in defence, so they should be able to play attacking soccer.
France were robbed of a victory yesterday. Up 1-0, Patrick Viera headed a ball that was defended by the South Korean goalkeeper. The only problem with this is that the ball had crossed the goalline and that the keeper was behind his own line when he deflected the ball.
This shot resulted in the ’second goal’ for France
It would be hard to imagine that the South Koreans would have come back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the match. If France had won the match, they would have had 4 points and been pretty much assured of making the second round considering their last match is against Togo. Although it is still possible for France to make it through to the second round, they have to rely on goal differential if South Korea draws with Switzerland. Ideally, Switzerland will beat South Korea and France will beat Togo. This means that the two most deserving teams from that group, France and Switzerland, will advance to the round of 16. A mistake like that ’second goal’ can potentially cost a team the chance to advance, pointing out the need for an instant replay system for goal situations that are too close to call.
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