Francesco Totti, who'd been greeted with boos from some of the Italian supporters when brought on in the 75th minute, stepped up to the spot and made no mistake, drilling a bullet-like shot past Mark Schwarzer, who picked the right side but still had no hope of getting a hand on the ball. The Socceroos were thrown out of the tournament in the final kick of the game. That, as they say, is football.

The Italians will no doubt claim a form of rough justice, that the penalty made up for an "unfair" red card. Materazzi's tackle on Bresciano, who was through the Italian line but not past the last man, was cynical and rough. It was not a guaranteed red card, but it wasn't an unreasonable one. The footballing gods don't do "fair" or provide such neat balances.

ITV's commentators were suggesting that Guus Hiddink had erred in not throwing another striker into the game and pushing harder after the Italian red card, but I'm sure the man acclaimed up until now for his tactical genius knew what he was doing. Had the option of Harry Kewell — with his power, drive and experience — been available, it might have been different, but he failed to recover in time from a groin injury.

There was no one on the bench to provide the necessary sophistication and footballing nouse. Australia just didn't have the depth, experience, or sophistication needed at this level.

The Guardian's commentator is enjoying his laugh about the result. That of course is because the English couldn't bear Australia going further than they in the tournament, and prove to be the better team.

Now if only the Socceroos had ended up against Sven's men...