Somebody wrote:
WC 1938 Stade Velodrome, Marseille:
Norway scores against Italy 4 minutes from full time. Everybody think
Norway wins 2-1 but the German ref blows for offside. It has never been
an offside, even Italian historybooks say it was not. Italy scores in
the extra time.. and later becomes world champions.
WC 1998 Stade Velodrome, Marseille:
You all know the result, there is just no justice in the world :)
And.. the ref was also this time a German.. is the German gorvernment still in love with Mussollini ? :)
First, I have to praise the Norwegians for putting up yet another very determined and spirited efforts. Indeed, they came close twice to tie the game but for Pagliuca's brilliant saves.
Having said that, I do believe the result was a fair outcome. Del Piero should have put the game beyond Norway's reach if he didn't squander several clear chances. Especially the ones at 41' and 65' when he had virtually only the goalie left to beat.
I also think that the balance of the referee's decisions favoured Norway instead of Italy. The yellow card given to Moriero for putting his boot too high was certainly harsh. The ball was in his immediate vicinity when he jumped to control it in mid-air. And he had possession of the ball already when that Norwegian charged from several yards away to stick a head to the ball. IMHO, it was the Norwegian's own action which put himself in danger, NOT the action of Moriero.
Besides, Rekdal should be very grateful that he remained on the field when the final whistle was blown. On two occasions, he kicked Moriero's and Cannavaro's dead foot respectively when the ball was already gone, but no yellow card was given. At 63', he tackled Del Piero from behind when the ball was already gone. No doubt a red-cardable offense, but he escaped with only a yellow card.