> The defending player would need to control the ball or generally
> be considered to have possession before it would not be offsides
> due to the offending player receiving the ball from a defender.

That is true. Offside depends on the positions of the players when
the ball is passed. In this instance

"Smeltz had run into an offside position on a free kick, but the
referee ruled that it had been played on by an Italian's touch as
the ball soared into the goal area"

I would agree with you that the defender probably wouldn't have
been in control, but if I recall he was attempting to be when he
deflected the pass.With that in mind and the general close-quarters
melee in the goal area I think awarding the goal was a fair decision.
A marginal call that will be debated I'm sure
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist