This is another cache along the bikeway. Enjoy you walk or ride along the bikeway. Feel free to add your own sporting memories to this series
This was Australia’s first match against Soccer World Cup powerhouse Italy. The stage once again was Fritz-Walter Stadium in Kaiserslautern for a knockout game. Could Australia actually go through?
Australia started with a good shape and made it hard for Italy to make an early opening, although they did have a couple of chances.
In the 20th minute, Mark Schwarzer tipped one such chance over the bar from Alberto Gilardino; after a header by Luca Toni. Then two minutes later, Schwarzer, diving the wrong way, saved Luca Toni's turn and shoot attempt; with his foot.
Gianluigi Buffon had a slight scare on the half hour when he didn't stop Scott Chipperfield's shot properly and Mark Viduka almost got to the ball before the Italian regained his composure. Luca Toni, still looking for his first World Cup goal, was again denied a couple of chances by some swift Australian defending. No easy ride for the Italians.
Half-time: (0:0).
The second-half started the way the first ended, with Luca Toni missing another chance by shooting over the bar. Italy were reduced to ten men when Marco Materazzi was shown a straight red, in the 50th minute, for a challenge that caught both Marco Bresciano and Gianluca Zambrotta.
As the seconds of injury time ticked out, Italy were awarded a contraversial penalty when Lucas Neill tried to tackle too early and missed the ball allowing Fabio Grosso to fall over him. Are we watching football or the Olympic ‘Diving’ competetion.
Francesco Totti held his nerve at the spot and Italy are through. But was Australia robbed?
Italy 1 – Australia 0