2010 World Cup: Italy v New Zealand full time report
Italy 1 New Zealand 1
New Zealand held the reigning world champions, Italy, to a 1-1 draw in Nelspriut to seriously dent Marcello Lippi's side's chances of last 16 qualification.
Shane Smeltz gave the All Whites a shock early lead to stun the Italians; but a penalty from Vincenzo Iaquinta later on in the first half spared Italy's blushes.
The All Whites took a shock lead on the sixth minute when Simon Elliot's free kick was headed down by last week's hero, Winston Reid, and Smeltz was on hand to poke the ball past Federico Marchetti from close range.
Replays showed that the New Zealand striker was clearly in an offside position, but the match officials failed to spot it and the goal was allowed to stand.
The world champions were left shell shocked by the tournament's rank outsiders; and like a wounded animal, were intent on inflicting revenge.
Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluca Zambrotta all came close to scoring, but Ricki Herbert's side had somehow made it to midway through the first half without conceding.
Ricardo Montolivo then saw his 30-yard effort rattle Mark Paston's right-hand post moments later, before New Zealand finally allowed their guard to slip on the 29th minute.
Tommy Smith was penalised for tugging on Danielle De Rossi's shirt inside the penalty area, referee Carlos Batres pointed to the spot and Iaquinta duly converted the spot-kick to make it 1-1.
After the equaliser it was all Italy. Marcello Lippi's men had their opponents camped back in their own half and were unfortunate not to go into the break a goal ahead.
The World Cup's rank outsiders were braced for a difficult second half. And as expected, the Italians continued to dominate proceedings after half-time and had New Zealand pinned firmly against the proverbial ropes.
Antonio Di Natale's rasping effort minutes after the interval set the tone for the rest of the second half. The All Whites were made to defend for their lives for almost the entire half as Italy bombarded the New Zealand backline time and time again.
Captain Ryan Nelson was inspirational – the rock of the All Whites back four who alleviated much of the pressure asserted by the world champions.
If Smeltz's goal was up there as the most shocking goals of this summer's World Cup, then Chris Wood came agonisingly close to surpassing it 10 minutes before the final whistle. Against the run of play, Woods outfoxed Cannavaro and smashed a shot inches wide of Marchetti's far post.
In the final minutes, the Italians continued to press for the winner, and when Zambrotta stole into the box and swung a left foot, it looked like New Zealand's World Cup dream was about to come to an abrupt end.
However, another brilliant block from man-of-the-match Nelson effectively secured the All Whites an historic point. One which will rank as perhaps the finest in their history.
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