Italy and New Zealand 1-1 after 60 minutes in World Cup Group F

Italy, New Zealand at 1-1 after 60 minutes

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Italy and New Zealand are tied 1-1 after 60 minutes of their World Cup group match after Vincenzo Iaquinta’s first-half penalty kick equalized Shane Smeltz’ early strike.

Smeltz gave New Zealand a stunning lead in the seventh minute of the Group F match when he tapped in after Simon Elliott’s free kick, but Iaquinta sent goalkeeper Mark Paston the wrong way on the 29th-minute penalty kick to level the score.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi sent in Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Di Natale for the second half and Di Natale forced a save by Paston from a tight angle in the 49th minute.

Italy attacked in numbers in the second half, but the New Zealand defense stood firm.