2010 World Cup: Italy v New Zealand half time report
Italy 1 New Zealand 1
New Zealand stunned world champions Italy after Shane Smeltz gave the All Whites an early lead in Nelspriut, but a Vincenzo Iaquinta equalising penalty means that the two Group F teams go into half time all square.
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.
Just moments later New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston was forced to make a good reaction save from Fabio Cannavaro, who came close to levelling the scores almost immediately.
Then on the 16th minute, Giorgio Chiellini found himself unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box but failed to test Paston, skying high instead. Had the chance fallen to one of the Azzurri's attackers then an equaliser would have been the likely outcome.
Ricki Herbert's side had made it midway through the first half without conceding, but the Italians now had their opponents camped back just where they wanted them - an equaliser appeared inevitable.
And it seemed as if Ricardo Montolivo had provided it for Italy when he unleashed from fully 30-yards, but his low shot crashed into Paston's right post.
New Zealand were pinned against the ropes and finally, on the 28th minute, they allowed their guard to slip and were punished.
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.
Italy ended the first half firmly in the ascendency and were unfortunate not to go into the break 2-1 up. New Zealand just about held on, though, and look set to face another tough 45 minutes after the break.
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