i'm an aussie but its true that the italians didn't cheat. i have seen a lot of diving but scarcely any that match, which was refreshing. yes sure the defender could have easily jumped over Lucas Neal on the ground - how hard is that - but anyone would have done the same in his position i.e. go for the penalty. Any player would have done that.

As for the ref, mck you are too harsh or you haven't seen some of the appalling displays in other games. Aus - Croatia for example. Rubbish refererring.

The Ital-Aus game refereeing was fine. Few whistles, lots of play the ball. Lots of reading the play. Before the game people said he was a good ref and i think that was borne out.

Italy don't play an exciting game, indeed since the 80's a boring game sadly, but hopefully that will change. No one wants to see a team spend the match hanging around their net but i am sure thats what their coach told them to do.