Rob's Blog

Australia’s dream run at the World Cup of Football has come to an end in a spectacular and frustratingly disappointing manner. Australia were able to hold Italy scoreless for nearly the whole game, until literally the last few seconds of regular time when Italy were 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, though 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 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 the city to watch the game at 5am 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

For breakfast this morning I snacked on a bowl of soccerballs. Not real soccer balls of course. Nestle have brought out a new breakfast cereal, officially licensed by FIFA. The packet says to just add milk to reveal the soccer balls. As the little crunchy balls absorb milk they swell up a little, but I would not consider them looking like soccerballs though. They tasted pretty average, but I am sure better tasting than eating the real thing. For those who live for sport, here is another way to make sport part of your day.

Related Pages: Soccer, Football World Cup, soccer balls

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 a 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

In the news from last weekend’s AFL round is the decision by Essendon to wear yellow arm bands as a sign of support for a team mate with cancer. Traditionally an armband is worn by a team when someone close to the club has died. Essenden sought approval from the AFL to do it, were told that they could not, but decided to go ahead anyway. Of course the AFL have to uphold their ruling, so Essendon were fined, and they complain about i! Why are they surprised and angered that they are fined? For a team involved in sport, they should know that when the umpire has made a ruling, even if you don’t agree with it, you take it on the chin and get on with the game. Although the sentiment by Essendon is great, I can see where the AFL are coming from - these things can get out of hand. There is a story that one player wore a black arm band when his dog died. That’s just going too far. Speaking of AFL, what’s the deal with the split round - six games played last week, and only two this week - wouldn’t four each week make more sense? Maybe there is something I am missing.

Related Pages: AFL, Essendon Football Club

As I have written about recently, the US Open is being played in very tough conditions, testing out the mettle of the world’s top players. It all ended this morning Australia time, and it is not surprising to see a younger player, who may not be burdoned with the huge pressures to perform, come out and overcome the difficult conditions and win the green jacket. And to boot, it was an Aussie too, Geoff Ogilvy.

Related Pages: golf, Golf Majors, US Open,