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This is our World Cup news section where we provide any news items that might have a significant effect on the matches being played - or sports betting in general.

World Cup News :: World Cup : Italy 1-1 New Zealand - match report

Posted on 2010-06-20 by Gooner

2000-1 outsiders New Zealand pulled off one of the biggest World Cup shocks of recent tournaments by holding defending champions Italy to a memorable 1-1 draw in Nelspruit.

New Zealand took the lead within seven minutes after Simon Elliott whipped over a curling free-kick from the left and with tall defender Winston Reid flicked the ball on, and Shane Smeltz prodded the ball past Federico Marchetti.

Italy, sorely lacking the creativity of injured AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, equalised from the penalty spot with Vincenzo Iaquinta scoring after Daniele De Rossi seemed to tumble easily.

The Azzurri pressed hard for three points in a pulsating second half, but the All Whites stood firm and could have snatched a remarkable victory had 18-year-old West Brom forward Chris Wood not guided a late left-foot shot just wide of the post.

It still represents the best result in the history of a nation which still does not have a professional football league and is far better known for its daunting rugby exploits.

New Zealand will probably need a victory over Paraguay in their final Group F match in order to qualify for the seciond round.

FIFA World Cup 2010 - Group F Standings

Group F      W D L  F A GD Pts
 Paraguay    1-1-0  3:1 +2  4
 Italy       0-2-0  2:2  0  2
 New Zealand 0-2-0  2:2  0  2
 Slovakia    0-1-1  1:3 -2  1

Sourced From : World Cup 2010 Match Reports

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