FIFA WC 2010 Update on iSport: World Champions Italy continue to play with danger as they managed to score only 2 points in their first 2 games. They were held on by underdogs New Zealand at 1 -1 on Sunday in Nelspruit, which makes things difficult for the European giants. iSporter Siddharth Panjwani reviews the game.
Shane Smeltz gave the Kiwis a dream start when he tapped one past Azzuri stopper in the 7th minute. Smeltz seemed to be in offside position but was ruled that the ball came off the Italian captain. It came as a shock for the defending champions who then stepped on the heat but could only manage to equalize from a penalty spot in 29th minute.
This is the second time in the tournament when Italy has come from behind to equalize but has not managed to acquire 3 pts for themselves. Italy after conceding a goal, maintained pressure on the Kiwis and were successful in creating chances and hitting a number of shots on target. Montolivo drilled one in the 26th minute but ball came off the post just before Italy was awarded a penalty when Daniele De Rossi went down after kiwi defender Tommy Smith grabbed his shirt. Vincenzo Iaquinta took the spot kick which tied the score for Italy in the 29th minute.
The Azzuri’s played some scintillating football in the second half opening up the Kiwi defense on numerous occasions but were unable to get past the keeper Mark Patson. Patson made some mind-boggling saves to keep New Zealand in the game. Montolivo, Cameronesi, De Rossi and Di Natale tried their best to get one pass Patson but Patson kept flying from one post to the other denying the champions from taking the lead.
Italy kept on saying that their opponents, New Zealand, were dangerous from dead ball which proved to be right when they scored from a long free kick in the 7th minute. Italy have conceded 2 goals in the tournaments and both have been of long free kicks and defense not being able clear the ball from the box.
New Zealand, who had nothing to lose, has now fancied their chances to qualify to the knockout stages. On the other hand, things have now become serious for the defending champions and will now have to win their next league game to stay in the hunt in this tournament.
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