FIFA World Cup 2010 – Italy 1-1 New Zealand: New Zealand pulls off one of the Biggest World Cup Shocks
Today’s match between New Zealand and the 2006 FIFA World Cup champions turned out to be quite a shocker. Not a sole on this planet would have thought New Zealand, the rank outsiders, would have held defending champions Italy to an eye popping draw in Nelspruit, what an unexpected turn out this was.
No changes had been made to both teams starting line up's since their first matches in Group F, although the champions did switch from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a much more suitable 4-4-2, and Federico Marchetti replaced the injured Gianluigi Buffon as goalkeeper.
The game started off quickly as New Zealand seemed quite prepared and took on a remarkable lead after just seven minutes of game play. Smeltz pounced from close range after Fabio Cannavaro failed to clear the ball and there was potentially an offside, as Winston Reid took on the free-kick, but the goal stood after the ball came off the Italian captain.
It was then Gianluca Zambrotta who really tested his luck from long range and wasn't far away from finding the top corner with just 20 minutes gone. The Azzurri were growing heavily in confidence as Riccardo Montolivo's low drive from 25 yards hit the post. Then Tommy Smith tried really hard to defend Daniele De Rossi in the area, getting a hold of his jersey, which was not such a good idea, as the Roma star went to the ground and obviously earned a penalty kick, which Iaquinta easily pushed into the goal, leaving Mark Paston with no chance.
Then towards the end of the first half, the Italian team increased their grasp on the game as they took intense possession of the ball, and were patient when trying to create chances for themselves. In the face of losing to New Zealand Italy maintained their composure quite well. But New Zealand continued to sit deep and hold them at bay as the initial 45 minutes ended at 1-1.
Lippi then made two changes at the start of the second-half in order to add some strength to their attack, Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi took the places of Gilardino and Simone Pepe. It was Serie A's top scorer this past season that made an immediate impact, but his attempts at the mark were quickly saved by the goalkeeper.
On the other hand Herbert's men were pinned back further and further, but they held their composure quite well as they looked to keep out the Europeans, who struggled to find a breakthrough during the game. So Lippi made his final substitution, bringing on Giampaolo Pazzini for his World Cup debut in the place of Claudio Marchisio.
It was surprising still when New Zealand midfielder Ivan Vicelich hit a vicious strike from just outside the area, but it whizzed just wide of the post. It was enough to prove the strength New Zealand had over Italy. Later Montolivo did try to make an effort for his team but Paston made an amazing stop to keep out the Italians with just 20 minutes left.
Italian supporters had their heads in their hands as Wood's shot flashed across the face of the goal and missed by inches as space began to open up for them on the counter. Then Camoranesi hit a brilliant shot from just about 30 yards, but Paston once again provided a crucial save with just minutes remaining. New Zealand owe much of their victory to the astounding efforts of their goal keeper.
The final whistle blew with Italy and New Zealand both on two points and knowing that a win for either side would guarantee them passage into the knockout stages on the final match day of the group stage. It was an unlucky day for Italy, as they lofted numerous balls into the box without joy. It seems uncanny that their faith in the World Cup rests all its weight on a bed of string and hay as they must win the final game if they are to have any aspirations of progressing to the next round. This is quite a change after their amazing victory last World Cup, one can only ask, what went wrong this time?
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