H-T Italy 1-1 New Zealand: Smeltz shocks holders
Published 15:45 20/06/10 By MirrorFootball
Vincenzo Iaquinta hauled Italy level with a controversial penalty after New Zealand had threatened one of the great World Cup shocks this afternoon.
Former Halifax Town striker Shane Smeltz stunned the world champions by handing the All Whites an early lead in a fiery Group F clash at the Mbombela Stadium.
Italy replied through Iaquinta after Tommy Smith was harshly ruled to have fouled Daniele de Rossi.
New Zealand, buoyant after their last-gasp equaliser against 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.
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 Juventus striker Iaquinta stepped up to convert from the spot, much to Italian relief.
New Zealand recovered their composure but Paston made a good save from De Rossi in first half injury time.
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