Italy and New Zealand 1-1 through 75 minutes in World Cup Group F

Italy, New Zealand tied 1-1 after 75 minutes

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Italy and New Zealand are tied 1-1 after 75 minutes of their World Cup group match after Vincenzo Iaquinta’s first-half penalty kick equalized Shane Smeltz’s 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 from a 29th-minute penalty to level the score for the defending champs.

Iaquinta shot wide after a through pass from Daniele De Rossi in the 61st minute as Italy attacked in numbers. New Zealand midfielder Ivan Vicelich shot wide two minutes later.

Riccardo Montolivo bore down on goal and forced a one-handed save from Paston in the 70th minute as Italy stepped up the pressure.