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Last night, Australia’s soccer hopes in the World Cup, our first hope in DECADES, was stymied by Italy 1-0. Well to tell the truth, our hopes weren’t so much dashed by the Italians as by the referee of the game who, at the eleventh hour or the nil all game, awarded the Italians a free kick when one of their players fell over one of the Australian players. Well, it certainly LOOKED like the guy tripped over the Aussie and then did the big Hollywood fling to the ground to buy a penalty. *teeth gnash*.

You know, the things is…. I don’t normally watch soccer, I’m a union lover and league follower, but well, it IS the world cup, and Australia was there for the first time in 32 years. So, you know, I have been watching. Let me tell you, all these middle of the night games have turned my body clock on its head and I look dreadfully tired (wonder why?) but I have actually quite enjoyed watching the games. The refereeing in the tournament though has been … woeful in my opinion. I thought this was a big thing this soccer world cup - and yet, I’ve seen some of the strangest refereeing decisions and inconsistencies of any code I’ve ever seen in my life. This is a world class tournament?? Hmmmmmmm..

Oh well, the Socceroos put on a good show, and for their world ranking, totally excelled. Good game soccer, but if the world cup ref’ing is indicative of the game overall…. I think I’ll stick to watching rugby and league.