Italy 1 New Zealand 1

The first half belonged to Italy as far as attacking football is concerned but to New Zealand in coming in at half time with a great result: a 1-1 draw against the world champions, Smeltz giving the New Zealanders the lea, firing home a loose ball on just 7’.

Mark Paston was in great form, denying Montolivo on 9’ (the same player hit the post on 28’). Smith brought down De Rossi (FIFA Man of the Match) on 29’ for Iaquinta to score the penalty. Before the break, Paston saved from De Rossi (45’).

In the second half, more pressure from Italy and more great form from Paston, who pulled off saves to deny Di Natale on 49’ and again on 50’ and Montolivo on 70’

Italy’s 15 corner kicks to New Zealand’s zero are witness to attacking play. The result is witness to the inefficiency of this attack.

Italy: Marchetti, Criscito, Chiellini, Cannavaro, De Rossi, Pepe (Camaronesi), Iaquinta, Gilardino (Di Natale), Marchisio (Pazzini), Zambrotta, Montolivo

New Zealand: Paston, Lochhead, Reid, Vicelich (Christie), Nelsen, Elliott, Smeltz, Killen (Barron), Bertos, Fallon, Smith