Italy beat France in a penalty shootout to win the World Cup. I was undecided who to go for in this; was sort of leaning towards Italy, but that was dampened a bit by them having knocked Australia out.

This isn’t exactly an original thought, but I have difficulty really getting into a game that seems to be dominated by borderline referee decisions and general randomness, especially when many matches end up being decided by what is essentially an elaborate guessing game. I reckon the keepers should just come out to the middle of the field and play rock-paper-scissors, best of five.

Now only one question remains: what the shazbot was Zidane thinking?

Possession all Australia’s way since Materazzi was sent off, but one questionable penalty awarded and the Socceroos are on their way home after refereeing controversy in every match.

No score in a fairly passive game so far. Hard to say which team looks better – Italy looks more dangerous in their attempts on goal but Australia’s keeping possession better. A nil-all draw looks on the cards at the moment, and I like our chances in a penalty shootout.

At least the ref is awake this time.