World Cup referees are intimidated by big name reputations, leaving the smaller teams reduced to the status of second-class citizens.

U.S. coach Bruce Arena talks at a news conference in Hamburg during the World Cup tournament June 19, 2006. [Reuters]

That's the opinion of squads like the United States, Australia and the Ivory Coast who are convinced that crucial decisions are going against them and that when yellow cards are brandished, they are more likely to be in their direction.

US coach Bruce Arena expressed his discontent after his team finished with nine men against 10-man Italy in their 1-1 draw at Kaiserslautern and was furious that his side was penalized for 24 fouls to Italy's 13.

"The powers of the game get a little more respect. One day the US will get some of those calls," Arena said.

Italian manager Marcelo Lippi took exception to the complaint but kept his thoughts to himself.

"I have no comment about what Mr Arena says about us," Lippi said. "I have things to say about his people, but I'm not doing it."

Australia also believe they were unjustly treated during their 2-0 defeat at the hands of champions Brazil in Munich and fumed that referee Markus Merk pulled them up for 25 fouls against only nine for Brazil.

The match also led to Socceroo Harry Kewell facing a FIFA disciplinary committee after his confrontation with Merk.

The Liverpool striker was cleared by the inquiry and is free to face Croatia in today's crucial clash that will decide their World Cup fate.

"I think I was just overheated at the moment, it was just one of those things," said Kewell.

Photographs and television replays showed Kewell yelling at Merk and furiously pointing his finger at him over his display.

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