it has never been a question for the Italians. Question is where, when, and how good the ????ution is.
Look at this picure. Grosso intentially hooked his left foot on the Aussie. And when his right foot touched the ground, instead of trying to support the body weight, it just slightly kissed the ground before giving away. Next thing you know his body plunged into the ground and a textbook-worthy dive is beautifully performed.
What a good effort. I know the art of diving has spread all over the major football leagues by now. And in every WC team there are at least 2 or 3 guys that have mastered it and a lot more still trying. Yesterday's POR-NED game showed us how hard this art is. Portugueses and Dutches were diving like crazy. But I have to say most of the efforts were pretty bad.
Italians are another story. They all playing in serie-A where this art was perfected. They have been doing it for so long that it must have been in their blood now. Theatrical gestures plus load voice, this diving art suites them just like opera does.
At first I thought it was a correct call. But after replaying it about a dozen times I am convinced this is a dive. A really good one. I don't blame the referee too much because it's just too good.
I am no Aussie fan, actually I liked this Italian team. The game is over and I know even if the Italians were not given this penalty they most probably would've still won the game. But, come'n Itatians, why do you have to win it this ugly ?