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![]() Last-gasp Totti puts Italy through
![]() Totti runs away to celebrate after scoring Italy's match-winning penalty. SPECIAL REPORT
Special: World Cup 2006
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Francesco Totti scored a penalty in the last minute of stoppage time to give 10-man Italy a 1-0 win over Australia in the World Cup second round on Monday. Totti blasted home the penalty after defender Fabio Grosso had tumbled over Lucas Neill's challenge. Italy, eliminated by South Korea in the last 16 four years ago, were forced on to the backfoot throughout the second half after being reduced to 10 men on 50 minutes. Defender Marco Materazzi was harshly shown a straight red by Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo for bringing down Marco Bresciano. His dismissal took the total number at the tournament to 24. The previous record was 22 in France in 1998. A closely-fought first half was just shaded by Italy, although the Socceroos were far from overawed in their first ever knockout game, despite missing the injured Harry Kewell and the suspended Brett Emerton. Guus Hiddink's side made a confident start, keeping possession for the opening two minutes in a patient build-up involving some 25 passes before Marco Bresciano's cross was nodded wide by Mark Viduka. Italy replied immediately with recalled striker Luca Toni, yet to break his duck at the tournament, rising above a static defence to nod Alessandro Del Piero's left-wing cross narrowly wide. Toni's height was giving center-backs Craig Moore and Lucas Neill a few problems and recalled Australia keeper Mark Schwarzer twice came to his side's rescue with two good saves in as many minutes. Alberto Gilardino forced Schwarzer to tip over his rising effort, the keeper following up in Italy's next attack by blocking Toni's low shot on the turn with his legs. Australia countered with Scott Chipperfield testing Gianlugi Buffon for the first time. Italy coach Marcello Lippi beefed up his attack for the second half, replacing Gilardino with Vincenzo Iaquinta but was forced to re-jig again after Materazzi's dismissal, sacrificing Toni for defender Andrea Barzagli. Chipperfield stung Buffon's gloves again, while Tim Cahill headed over the bar when well placed from a corner. Lippi was understandably thrilled with his side's victory. "In the first half we didn't let them have anything during open play, not even a long shot, and we had four really clear scoring chances. "In the second half, down to 10 men against 11 we suffered -- but still gave very little away. There was a real desire to succeed and real determination -- plus a bit of organisation because it is not easy to defend in 10. "It's an indescribable joy," he said of the victory. "I'm really delighted. These lads showed great heart, great character and also great quality." Goalscorer Totti added: "We struggled for long periods of the match but in the end it was the whole team that won this match because Australia were a strong side. Now I think we can go a long way in this tournament." Australian captain Mark Viduka summed up their mood. "I think we dominated the match for many parts and with an extra player it made it easier for us but it's a really bad way to go out," he said. "They had their chances too but it was not to be. We're obviously happy we've got this far but so disappointed to go out in the fashion we did."
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