[bwteim]

I'm always surprised that a man down doesn't make a quicker difference - if at all.

[cartan]

I'm always surprised that a man down doesn't make a quicker difference—if at all.

Well, if you don't count the goalkeepers, it's just a 10% handicap.

[kabar]

The team with the advantage needs to use the extra man to put more pressure offensively. The Aussies have not been pressing the advantage until now. The risk is an Italian counter attack. I think the Aussies have the advantage in extra time. It is dangerous now for the Aussies.

[wolf78]

I'm always surprised that a man down doesn't make a quicker difference - if at all.

As strange as it sounds, but during the first quarter to half hour after the ejection it's often a disadvantage for both sides, as the other team also has to adapt to the different situation.

Just look at Germany-Sweden: Germany looked strong during the first 30 minutes and towards the end, in between their gameplay was slightly off-balance (they were still the dominant team, though).

However, as time passes, being one man down becomes more and more of a problem, as you have to cover the same space with fewer man. The team lacking a man thus suffers from exhaustion earlier. Just look at the US team (being two men down) after the match against Italy: They dropped like flies after the final whistle - they didn't have a single minute more in them.