Italy’s Iaquinta equalizes as Italy and New Zealand are 1-1 at halftime

Italy and New Zealand 1-1 after first half

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Vincenzo Iaquinta equalized with a 29th-minute penalty kick as Italy pulled into a 1-1 tie against New Zealand after the first half of the World Cup Group F match.

Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand a stunning lead in the seventh minute, tapping into the net after Simon Elliott’s free kick to the back post deflected off Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro’s hip as Cannavaro fell.

Tommy Smith fouled Daniele De Rossi in the box on a corner kick to earn a penalty kick for Italy a yellow card for himself. Iaquinta sent goalkeeper Mark Paston the wrong way from the spot to level the score.

Italy had threatened to equalize just a minute earlier, but Riccardo Montolivo hit the inside of the goalpost with a curling shot from 20 yards.