Australia d Italy 1-0 last night at Bruce Stadium in front of a decent crowd of close to 2500. Italy were missing the three players who were sent off last Friday when the two teams clashed and Italy won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 scoreline. The same referee took care of both matches, although this one was no where near as controversial.
Oz were given a penalty after one of the Matildas was pulled back in the penalty area. Cheryl Salisbury saw her kick saved for a corner, but from this resultant set play she extended her tall frame at the near post to head over an advancing keeper. Italy complained about the goal, but it was evident that the keeper was impeded by her own players.
Best comment of the night came fromt he Italian coach when asked if he was looking forward to playing the Austrlaians in the WC Finals. He said that at least we won't have the same referee. Interestingly enough, Tammy Ogden, the referee in question is the only referee from the Oceania region who could go to the World Cup and represent Australia.