[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.

[bwteim]

Well, it's over now. One up didn't do it for the Aussies.

And thank you for your responses, all, to my 11-1 question.