One goal was good enough for Italy and Ukraine.

For both Italy and Ukraine, one goal was good enough for a round 3 match at the World Cup.

Yup, you read it, Italy and Ukraine will be facing off at the quarter-finals, joining six other teams in what will be the FIFA World Cup ‘’Elite Eight’’ in Germany.

Italy 1-0 Australia.

For Italy, Francesco Totti’s injury-time penalty couldn’t have been any better. Italy came into their round 2 match with Australia with a ten-man roster and when it was all said and done, one man named Totti was the difference.

Everybody in the arena thought that the Italy - Australia match will be headed for extra-time. Totti had other plans though. Blackburn Rovers defender Lucas Neill brought down Italy’s Fabio Grosso inside the area and Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo pointed to the spot.

Totti was excluded from Italy’s starting 11, well, back when they had a full-man roster. When he was given the opportunity to shine, boy, did he shine the brightest as he struck the ball past Australia’s goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer.

One goal. Francesco Totti scored. Italy advances.

Ukraine 0-0 Switzerland.

As for Ukraine, they beat Switzerland without having to force the Switzerland team to concede one measly goal. I told you ONE GOAL was all Italy and Ukraine needed and as for Ukraine, they didn’t have to get one.

Ukraine didn’t score. They won the game by winning a penalty shootout.

The second half and extra-time were turgid with neither side looking likely to score and it was left to penalties to resolve the issue with Switzerland’s goal still unbreached in 390 minutes of World Cup action.

But Switzerland’s nerve deserted them in the shootout as they failed to convert a single kick while Ukraine netted three out of four. - ESPN

Extra-time came with whistles of derision from supporters who were clearly not impressed with the first 90 minutes and the extra half hour was also unsatisfying. Well, Ukrainian fans certainly should be satisfied now. They have a round 3 match at the FIFA World Cup tournament with Italy anyway.

[Will short-handed Italy beat Ukraine or will the Ukrainian players finally score and see motherland Ukraine upset Italy? Sports Interaction has the odds with the best free betting tips on the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Bet on SIA today.]