The concept of cheating always comes up at the Cup. It’s as dependable as criticism of the ball. Diving – simulation in sanitised FIFA speak – is forever rearing its ugly head. Australians (though not immune to mimicking Loudy Tourky ourselves) like to decry it as weakness. We shake our heads and wonder how someone can emasculate themselves by rolling on the ground holding their head as if shot when there was no contact at all. Others see it differently, that going down is a black yet subtle art, a legitimate arrow to have in one’s quiver.

This highlights how the World Cup may be a single tournament but it is made up of myriad teams from disparate nations, each with a unique culture that informs their sporting tradition. There is no singular definition of fair play, one team’s cheating is another’s wily trickery and diving is not the only manifestation of this is-it-isn’t-it foul play.

The Uruguay Ghana quarterfinal was a tremendous contest of beautiful football and fierce challenges. An unforgettable match not least for the controversy that surrounded its final moments. Deadlocked at one-all after 90 minutes, and with neither team able to manufacture a goal in extra time, Uruguay were under intense pressure when striker Suarez cleared the ball off the line with a double-handed swat. He was duly given his marching orders but Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the spot kick only to see it clang off the cross bar. Suarez handball was the last act of open play and the game went to penalties. Of course, Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saved twice and just like that Ghana were out.

It’s been fascinating to see how Suarez last-gasp volleyball effort has been reported. He is staking his claim to the Hand of God legacy, calling it a moment of brilliance in which he had no choice. In Uruguay it is seen as the desperate act of a national hero, and its true that without this interference Uruguay would have been out for sure. Ghana and the whole of Africa are horrified, tormented by what could have been, a continent in anguish. FIFA, despite early posturing about severe sanctions, have given Suarez only a one-match ban. Fair play or foul? Pre-meditated or instinctual? Experts ruminate, countries celebrate and commiserate, the football world is divided, but none of that is going to change the fact Uruguay are in the semis and Ghana are back at home.

Australia, not so bad! Germany is the real deal. A team with an average age more at home in the schoolyard than football’s biggest stage is setting up for a dynasty. If they do take the whole thing – as they look likely to – then Australia would have lost only to the two winners at the last two World Cups. Small consolation.

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