Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer dives but can't block the game-winning shot from Italy's Francesco Totti on Monday.

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.”

More news

Richard Wolowicz / Getty Images

Beckham gets away with a lot

  PST: Let’s talk about the elephant in the MLS room. It’s David Beckham’s treatment by the men in the middle. And possibly by the league, where the question of “double-standard” may be getting a big test.

PST: QBR's Barton suspended, very suspended

PST: Joey Barton needs a good shaking. Or something. But since we’re an evolved species, and since Barton isn’t a little toddler throwing a temper tantrum – ahem, we’re all thinking the same thing, so let’s just move on – we don’t do those kinds of things.

Headlines

• Label

PST: QBR's Barton suspended, very suspended

PST's MLS rankings: Red Bulls an odd bunch

FIFA doctors ask for changes to headscarf design

Referee Webb urges players not to fake injury

Chivas USA, Red Bulls battle to 1-1 tie

Crew shut out Sounders, 2-0

Earthquakes top Galaxy in stoppage time

Fire rallies to beat FC Dallas

Toronto FC wins Canadian Championship

Bayern chairman: Fans sorry for booing Robben