Ref 'killed' my World Cup - Kewell

Australia's Harry Kewell was left crestfallen by his dismissal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Ghana and claimed referee Roberto Rosetti had "killed" his World Cup.

After missing the Socceroos' 4-0 trouncing against Germany, Kewell lasted just 24 minutes before being dismissed for deliberate handball after keeping out Jonathan Mensah's fierce shot on the goal-line.

"I didn't deliberately go for the hand," said Kewell. "I didn't try and handball it, I tried to use my chest. I was playing by the rules, but the ref saw it another way. He's probably the only one who did. The guy has killed my World Cup."

The Galatasaray forward vehemently contested the decision, but was given his marching orders before Asamoah Gyan slid home the ensuing penalty to cancel out Brett Holman's earlier strike.

The incident was the turning point for the Socceroos, who can still mathematically qualify for the round of 16, but must win against Serbia and hope the result in the other Group D match goes their way.

Kewell added: "It's a shame that it happened that way. But if you look at the situation, it's hit my arm, but it wasn't deliberate.

"It was only that I was trying to get my shoulder there. I think the ref made a decision that he can only answer.

"Unless I actually detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there is no other way I can move my arm."

FIFA's regulation regarding deliberate handball would, however, suggest Rosetti got the decision correct.

The rule states: "A player is sent off - if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored."