Italy was unable to get a first victory in the World Cup 2010 tournament, and after the 1-1 draw against New Zealand the World Champions could be facing disqualification. Paraguay is now leading Group F, and everything is still up for grabs before the last matches of the group stage in South Africa next week.

New Zealand scored a quick goal just seven minutes in the game when Simon Elliott sent a foul shot in the heart of the Italian defence. Fabio Cannavaro was unable to stop the ball, coming directly to Shane Smeltz that sent it in the back of Federico Marchetti’s net. Italy tried really hard to get an equaliser, with the biggest chance from Riccardo Montolivo that hit the post in 27′. But two minutes later Italy won a penalty, with Daniele De Rossi falling on the ground after being pulled by Tommy Smith that also got a yellow card in that play. Vincenzo Iaquinta took the shot, beating Mark Paston to tie the game.

Italy had the first good chance of the second half with a nice shot from Antonio Di Natale. In 64′ Ivan Vicelich made a powerful shot outside Italy’s penalty area, barely missing the target. Six minutes later Paston made a fantastic save to deny a shot from Riccardo Montolivo, and again two minutes before full time against Mauro Camoranesi. So the score remained at 1-1 and now the teams will play their last card next week for a spot in the second round of the World Cup 2010 finals.

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