It was the Australians who showed that a team ranked just 42nd in the world ¡ª in just its second World Cup, its first since 1974 ¡ª could compete with traditional soccer powers. In Germany, the Australians scored their first World Cup goals (five total), their first victory (3-1 over Japan) and riveted a nation that stayed up late and partied later when the Socceroos played.

Winger Harry Kewell, man of the match in the 2-2 draw with Croatia that earned Australia a place in the final 16, missed the game with what turned out to be gout in his foot. He supported himself with crutches as he watched from the bench.

Although the Australians pressured from the start, three-time champion Italy created the better chances with the tall Luca Toni coming close to scoring four times before the interval.

He headed narrowly wide from eight yards in the third minute from Alessandro Del Piero's left wing cross, forced Schwarzer to save his shot with his legs, had another shot blocked by defender Craig Moore and also sent another header past the post.

Strike partner Alberto Gilardino had a shot pushed over the bar by Schwarzer and Australia's Scott Chipperfield blocked a goalbound drive by Simone Perrotta.

At the other end, Mark Viduka's powerful header went straight at Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who also smothered a low drive from Chipperfield.

Later, the Aussie defender lamented that referees always seem to favor the powerhouse teams.

"They look after the big nations," Chipperfield said. "They want the big nations through to the semis and finals. It's always the way."

He pointed to other refereeing controversies at the tournament.

"A lot of the games, everyone's talking about the referee, which shouldn't be the way. They should be talking about how good the game is. Not the refereeing. It's something that needs to be looked at."

Australia coach Guus Hiddink said his players were sure there was no foul on the final play, and described Neill as despondent in the locker room, quietly sitting in one corner.

"You feel guilty if you cause a penalty," Hiddink said. "But, in this case, it was so bitter and that makes it doubly sad for him not committing a foul."