Italy endured a frustrating afternoon in Nelspruit as New Zealand held on for a famous 1-1 draw to leave Group F wide open.
New Zealand earn point in Nelspruit
Italy endured a frustrating afternoon in Nelspruit as New Zealand held on for a famous 1-1 draw to leave Group F wide open.
Having stunned Slovakia with a last-gasp equaliser in their opening game, New Zealand took the lead after just seven minutes against the reigning world champions.
Former Halifax Town striker Shane Smeltz grabbed the goal from close range after Italy had failed to deal with a threatening free-kick, although he was lucky not to be flagged offside as the ball was flicked on.
Vincenzo Iaquinta pulled Italy level from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after Tommy Smith had tugged at Daniele De Rossi's shirt.
But the Azzurri were unable to complete their comeback despite dominating for long periods in the second half, with the All Whites withstanding the pressure and nearly nicking all three points late on when Chris Wood shot wide.
Italy must now beat Slovakia in their final game to ensure progression to the last 16, while New Zealand are also still very much in the hunt for a place in the next round ahead of their clash with current group leaders Paraguay.
Buoyant
The All Whites, buoyant after their draw with Slovakia, made the perfect start as Smeltz crept into the box to give them a seventh-minute lead.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi had warned New Zealand's greatest threat would come from set-pieces and his side were caught out as Simon Elliott swung in a free-kick from the left.
The ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong-footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz.
The Gold Coast forward, who has also played for Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon, gleefully accepted and poked past second-choice goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.
Italy responded with a free-kick from Claudio Marchisio bouncing awkwardly and forcing Mark Paston to save.
New Zealand were incensed when Rory Fallon was booked for catching Cannavaro in the face and replays did suggest contact had been minimal.
Italy complained soon after when Fallon's elbow appeared to connect with Giorgio Chiellini but this time Guatemalan referee Carlos Batres was lenient.
Pressure
Moments earlier Chiellini had stabbed wide when well placed and then Riccardo Montolivo hit the post with a long-range shot as Italy stepped up the pressure.
New Zealand were caught out after 28 minutes as De Rossi went down in the area after the slightest of shirt pulls from Ipswich defender Smith.
The Kiwis complained about the decision but Iaquinta stepped up to convert from the spot, much to Italian relief.
New Zealand recovered their composure but Paston made a good save from a 20-yard De Rossi effort in first-half injury time.
Italy played at a slower tempo in the second period but dominated possession.
Half-time substitute Antonio di Natale threatened with a smart shot on the turn but Paston was equal to the half-volley.
Iaquinta controlled on the edge of the area but Winston Reid did enough to force him to fire wide as he turned.
Urgency
New Zealand struggled to break out of their own half and it was not until just after the hour they threatened again, Ivan Vicelich firing narrowly wide after a Cannavaro clearance fell invitingly.
The introduction of Mauro Camoranesi gave Italy extra drive and he put Montolivo through to force a fine save from Paston from 25 yards.
Reid then claimed to have been caught in the face by Chiellini and stayed down as Italy attacked but the Danish-born defender soon recovered.
Italy's urgency increased as time ran down but Camoranesi and Di Natale both shot wide and Chiellini missed the target with a header.
Kiwi substitute Wood, of West Brom, almost caught Italy off guard on a rare counter-attack eight minutes from time but shot across goal.
In a frantic finish Camoranesi then tested Paston from long range and Ryan Nelsen blocked well from Iaquinta as New Zealand held on for a famous draw.
