Who thinks that Grosso took a dive against Australia? (Non-Aussie/Italy Fans only)?

Question

Do you honestly think that this was a dive, or that the penalty was deserved? Please, I want to hear the opinion of other nationalities, so resist the temptation to answer if you're a Socceroo/Italy fan.

Answer 1

even HE knows that he took a dive....!

Answer 2

Not so much a dive as gross theatricality which completely conned the Referee. Maybe FIFA need to replay matches when this happens and fine the Player and Country concerned. Better still throw them out of the World Cup. It is all too common and all the players are jumping on the bandwagon because presently there is no punishment severe enough to stop them. Poor old Lucas Neill. He was absolutely distraught. Australia did not deserve to lose in such a manner and were absolutely cheated. Are you surprised there is yet another scandal in Italian football?

Answer 3

I am a football fan from HK. By sacrificing my sleeping time in the middle of the night, I just wish to watch some wonderful games played with passion, not theatrical performance!

It's sad to see players of the so called traditional football power tend to play drama rather than football.

All Grosso was looking for is a platform for him to fall and ask for a PK once he's in the penalty area!

Shame on Grosso! Shame on Italy!

Answer 4

I'm an Aussie-Italian who wanted to see a great game but got disappointed in how it ended. (Upset as an Aussie, embarrassed as an Italian)
Technically Grosso did not dive. He fell over Neill's body which is not a Penalty.
But as an SBS commentator commented 'It wasn't a Penalty but Neill put himself in a position where the Referee can give a penalty decision'. Another Australian commentator at the Stadium asked many neutral observers on their views and most of them thought it was a Penalty before they saw the replays.

Answer 5

From what you could see on TV the Australian was already down when the Italian got there. I guess he could have stepped over him and continue his attack but he saw it was going nowhere with 5 seconds to play so he dropped to the floor. I don't know how the referee saw it and where he was stading at the moment. Conclusion is that I say Grosso took a dive.

BTW I am a Netherlands supporter (Not Italy/Aust)

Answer 6

i am neither fan though i like Australia not only as a team but as a country they show a certain spirit and determination of winning.Now for your question i am an Indian and i think the penalty was deserved not because i wanted Italy to win but it was wrong the way Lucas Neill tackled Grosso in the D area

Answer 7

Neill shouldn't have gone to ground, Grosso was going nowhere all he had to do was show him the byeline, going in like that was just inviting it. Any player worth his salt would be looking for a penalty in that situation. Still, the Aussies impressed everyone I think. I predicted month's ago that they'd be no walkover.

Answer 8

England fan, I fell Grosso was looking for a penalty when he got into the penalty area. Momentum took him down. Penalties given by referees who cannot see the full picture is wrong. USE TV EVIDENCE. Using the evidence allows a better decision. Unlucky Australia you did yourself proud, from a POM.

Answer 9

I am not a fan of either team, but I'll tell you this much: It was a dive, no doubt about that, and I think Australia was robbed. I have been disappointed with the officiating up to this point. Lots of bad calls.

Answer 10

I Want To See Football Played In Proper Spirits...Italy Did Not Deserved That Penalty ... Austrilians Were Robbed ...

Answer 11

It wasnt a dive but he did purposely make sure his trailing leg got caught the body of the floored defender causing him to go over and create a penalty. It was something any clever player would have done. But that does not make it sportingly correct.

So, No it was not a dive but it was a piece of clever unsporting play !