Ahn fires in his early penalty that Buffon saves (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

Italy have lashed out at the refereeing following their World Cup elimination by co-hosts Korea by calling it a "disgrace".

The Azzurri were beaten 2-1 as Korea scored a golden goal.

However Italy, who twice had goals erroneously disallowed for offside against Croatia, had another waved off by referee Bryan Moreno.

Roma midfielder Damiano Tommasi thought he had beaten the offside trap in the second half but the linesman's flag was raised.

Tommasi tapped the ball into the net but the Ecuadorian official ruled the goal would not stand.

Italy then saw their cause hurt by the sending off of Francesco Totti.

Totti went down in the box when attacking in sudden death and the referee, perhaps harshly, gave him a second booking.

Defender Fabio Cannavaro, prevented from playing today after picking up too many bookings in the group stage, watched in disbelief.

"I think it is a disgrace," said Cannavaro.

"We talk of our referees but that one today was really disappointing, it was harsh.

"It is an unfair elimination because this squad has given everything.

"Tommasi's goal was legal and Totti's sending-off was unnecessary."

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni was also furious.

"You have all seen the match," he said to reporters.

"We started the World Cup with certain negative situations, and things have not changed from match to match.

"In fact, we are going out in a bad way. Even the FIFA delegates that I know were incredulous.

"I don't speak of a conspiracy, but certainly of negative situations.

"These linesmen are incapable.

"The boys have done a great job and we have shown that we are a great squad."

Controversial moments aside, Italy did have their chances.

Christian Vieri charged into the box to meet a cross immediately after Korea's second-half equaliser, but somehow he missed the target.

"A moment like this I have not experienced before," said Trapattoni.

"I have not cried tears but my heart is crying."

South Korea coach Guus Hiddink hailed his heroes.

Hiddink said: "We beat one of the super powers of world football. They are very clever and they are very dangerous.

"This is unique what the Korean players have done so far."

South Korea, who had not won a finals match before this tournament, will play Spain in the quarter-final.

The former Real Madrid boss continued: "I don't care about Spain tonight. I have seen them play and I am glad it is Spain because I have a love for Spain but I do not care tonight, tomorrow is another day.

"We are going on and we are enjoying it very much. We know we have tonight to celebrate and people must celebrate. We are normal, humble hard working people."

Dutchman Hiddink was delighted they could send their hordes of fans home happy.

He continued: "The dream is going on because we have set another record for South Korea.

"I am very happy with the boys who had a difficult time in the first half against such an experienced team.

"After the first half the players started to cope with Italy and at the end we could dominate.

"The players are so happy in the locker room and I am glad we could make it for the Korean people."

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