Go Socceroos!
June 22, 2006Congratulations to the Socceroos for proceeding to the second round of the World Cup. Even my parents were watching the game early this morning, which shows just how this team’s endeavours have captured the attention of the entire nation.
My only caveat (and it’s a big one) is the very poor umpiring decisions being made in every single game the Socceroos have played in. The most recent example is referee Graham Poll in their game against Croatia -
Their excitable coach, Zlatko Kranjcar, was dancing a jig.
But this is an Australia team of steely resolve. Gradually, passing movements were constructed. And then, in the ninth minute, a penalty for Australia. Surely? Incredibly, in the view of referee Graham Poll, who had a clear line of sight, no. Simunic’s rugby tackle on Viduka hauled the striker to the ground. But the whistle didn’t go.
UNBELIEVABLE.
So just how exactly does a referee that must measure up to such high International standards miss something so obvious to everyone else? It seems that in every single match, the referees have had it in for the Socceroos. The fact they’ve proceeded to the Second round, not because of it, but in spite of it, is cause for admiration.
I sincerely hope that someday we find out the real reasons for these “poor refereeing decisions”. Because the standard of refereeing thus far has been very very poor.
