I think it's more a case of Chile's weaknesses lining up with Australia's strengths. We're quick on the counter-attack, and play the shortest game to the goal that we can. As the game has gone on, Chile have gotten better at delaying the attacking run, allowing themselves to form up in defence.
Perhaps, but there was a good forty minutes there where Australia dominated the game and never converted.
A few bad decisions sure, but no bad red cards, no undeserved penalties, no unfairly disallowed goals, no egregiously allowed undeserved goals. I'd call that a decent enough evening of refereeing. Chile was the better team, despite questionable defending and some shocking lapses, and deserved to win.
Would you prefer Ray Warren? Or anyone from the commercial network fraternity who know nothing about the sports they commentate, but are totally confident that the Australians will win for no other reason than because they are Australian? The commentary at the Sochi Olympics was plain embarrassing, and I am expecting more of the same from Glasgow.
Watch what happens if the game evolves to the point where Australia can regularly make the Round of 16. SBS won't stand a chance at retaining the rights, and we'll get saddled with low-quality commentators.
Go to Parramatta some time. Sure, it's the home of the Eels - but you wouldn't know it. The town is regularly decked out in red and black.
