11 Angry Men - 20,568,730 Proud Aussies
27
June
Much like Reginald Rose’s “12 Angry Men” where a disserting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the rest of the jury that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court, the Socceroos slowly managed to convince the world that the case for Australian football is no laughing matter. We have arrived and despite a young history, a previously troubled national competition and an unlucky mistake from the referee, there is no doubt the Socceroos should be afforded the respect of all Aussies and World football for their display of heart in this morning’s game against a European giant.
Like a nosebleed you didn’t really need, Australia beats to a bothersome frustration this morning…Ah well, what do you do? The World Cup Blog poses an interesting question that most of our Aussie readers may care to answer: “Are the Referees Ruining the World Cup?”
Nonetheless, as Guus said himself “…but overall when the emotion goes down, we can be very proud of what this team has achieved in the last four games.”
1. Jeromy | June 27th, 2006 at 16:34
Proud Aussies! Absolutely! What a magnificant tournament the aussies played. So close to beating Italy (three time World Champion).
Marvellous. Not only did the team impress here in Europe, so to did the aussie fans!
A win all around for Australia! Now the important thing is to find a great replacement for Guus Hiddink and then to qualify for the World Cup in 2010.
With the aussie spirit of never giving up and not caring how fancied the opponent is, Australia will succeed again!
2. Oz | June 27th, 2006 at 19:10
Converting the marginal fan to sustained dedication was always going to be a huge ask for football in Australia. This is the greatest achievement of the Socceroos’ last few weeks in Germany, especially considering they weren’t fancied to move out of the group stages. The Socceroos can feel proud of their efforts and will hopefully use this experience as a stepping stone to further growth and future success.
One question: am I included in 20,568,730?
3. Anthony | June 27th, 2006 at 21:55
Hats off to the Lads of the Aussie Squad…they did a damn good job. Proud doesnt quite cover it, but it will have to do. They were exceptionally good, and unfortunately robbed by by shakespearean skills, rather than football talents.
They definately woke up the world to how good the Aussies can be if given a chance. Aussies were all class, no acting, and played like real men (none of this diving business). Much respect given.
Anthony
4. BillyGoatEric | June 28th, 2006 at 12:41
Oz, you are included in the 20,568,730 however if this statistic was mined further to reflect the level of “Oz-ism” (if there is such a word - maybe “mateship”??) than the figure would be 20,568,729, unless of course you never wear that Italian jersy again.
Anthony - right on the money with the shakespearean skills. On that thought I will leave everyone with this little video:
“Italian Training Campâ€
5. MonkeyBoy | June 28th, 2006 at 16:30
Oz, I just read your “Authors” page - secretely hoping for an Italian Cup win??????? WTF???????
So the question I ask is, were you supporting Australia or Italy in their last match??????
And how can you hope that the “ACTORS” win the World Cup….???????
MANY OPEN QUESTIONS HERE!!!!
6. Oz | June 28th, 2006 at 22:45
Much has been said about the penalty. It will probably be the talking point of the tournament, in conjuction with the performance of the referees. I supported Italy, despite the fact I fully expected Australia to win. Why? Because I have always supported Italy and always will. End of story.
As for acting, look at any European or South American team. Why haven’t we seen any cards for diving, sorry, simulation in this World Cup? I haven’t given my thoughts on the penalty and I won’t. It was the referee’s decision and if he got conned, he won’t be the last. The penalty was given and duly scored, sadly at the end of the game leaving no chance for an Australian comeback.
It was an ignominious end to a tough battle between two sides who put on a great game. It’s all about timing. Fact of the matter is that Australia didn’t score a goal. Last time I checked, you need to score them to win. Trust me when I say that, rightly or wrongly, I have copped plenty of shit for supporting the Azzuri. It goes with the game.
You want to talk about cheating, let’s have a chat about the ‘Hand of God’. And my author’s page was refined BEFORE the World Cup began, just to set the record straight.
7. BillyGoatEric | June 28th, 2006 at 23:17
Ironic your name is “Oz”…
8. Princess | June 29th, 2006 at 09:43
So, from a girls point of view (if we are allowed to have one on the soccer (oops, football) of course…) - I am very proud of the Aussies and the way they played throughout the tounament. The penalty was unfortunate, and I am told by The Daydreamer that it definately shouldn’t have been one (like I’d know - I’m still struggling with the offside rule, and if anyone tells me to watch Bend It Like Beckham again I may scream) BUT you have to admit, we did phaff around for the entire second half when Italy was one player down (I can feel controversy boiling here…). Surely that goal should have been an equaliser, and not a winner.
Other than that small thing I needed to get off my chest, I think it’s amazing overall how such a small nation (pop’n wise) can make such a huge splash on the world sporting arena in pretty much anything and everything we touch. Quite frankly, we rock.
9. MonkeyBoy | June 29th, 2006 at 20:03
Fact is “Daydreamer” that it was a penalty and a deserved one. You don’t through yourself on the ground in the penalty box when an italien is infront of you. Every Italian footballer will run straight into you and roll on the ground like a little pansy until he gets the penatly he wants.
Although they played awesome and better, they should have scored a goal earlier! Princess, you are right! It should have at most been an equaliser….
10. Happy Anniversary! at The Idle Thoughts Of A DayDreamer | July 30th, 2006 at 16:49
[...] People are still homeless. Jurgen Klinsmann is no longer coach of the German national football team. We are still arguing about “what is a brand?” Shit drivers are still pissing me off. Aussies are still debating about uranium and nuclear energy. Microsoft are still trying to get into the 21st century. BEEZHOUSE is rocking along. Barry Bonds reached 715, and is about to be indicted for perjury. Last.fm rocks. Still haven’t seen the DaVinci Code (nor Harry Potter). Believe that the Aussies were robbed at the FIFA World Cup. Still haven’t replaced my dead iPod. Still believe in the Big Bang and evolution. Am still going to continue ranting and raving! [...]