New Zealand has gone ahead of the world champions, the first time in their World Cup history that they’ve been ahead in a match.
World Cup 2010, Italy Vs. New Zealand: Shane Smeltz Puts All Whites Up In 7th Minute
New Zealand’s only other World Cup appearance was in 1982, when they eliminated after three matches. A 93rd minute goal against Slovakia gave New Zealand a draw to open this competition, but it was only after Shane Smeltz flicked home a seventh minut dead ball play against Italy that the Kiwis were ahead for the first time in their World Cup history.
The goal came when a set piece was played from 35 yards out on the left flank, with defender Winston Reid flicking a ball against the chest of defender Fabio Cannavaro. The ball fell to Shane Smeltz behind the defense who flicked a right footed shot past Federico Marchetti for the opening goal.
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