ITALY 1 - NEW ZEALAND 1

Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand their greatest ever result as they held world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in Group F. The All Whites went ahead early, before being pegged back by a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty, but the minnows held on to claim an historic point.

Italy dominated a compelling Group F contest thereafter but could not find a way past outstanding goalkeeper Mark Paston. The surprise result keeps alive New Zealand's hopes of reaching the second round for the first time in their history and leaves Italy with much still to do.

The All Whites, 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.

New Zealand were caught out after 28 minutes as Daniele de Rossi went down in the area after the slightest of shirt pulls from Ipswich defender Tommy Smith. The Kiwis complained about the decision but Iaquinta stepped up to convert from the spot, much to Italian relief.

WORLD CUP 3-5-2 FOOTBALL NOBLESTAR

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