>I think the free kick should have been given to Australia as it was very clear that the Italian player was intended to kick the back of the Australian player already laying hurt on the ground <g>

Good man Dmitry, have you thought about becoming a referee? I think Lucas Neill (the player on the ground) should have started writhing holding his back. Maybe the ref would have red carded the Italian. The game could have then gone into extra time with Australia running out convincing 5-0 winners and gone on to win the World Cup!!! Oh well, maybe next time <s>