Smeltz gives New Zealand 1-0 lead after 30 minutes in Group F match

New Zealand leads Italy 1-0 after 30

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Shane Smeltz has given New Zealand a stunning 1-0 lead against defending champion Italy through the first half-hour of the World Cup Group F match.

Smeltz tapped home in the seventh minute after Simon Elliott’s free kick to the back post deflected off Fabio Cannavaro’s hip as Cannavaro fell.

Giorgio Chiellini had Italy’s first clear shooting opportunity, but sent it wide after Simone Pepe’s 17th-minute corner kick was helped on by Cannavaro.

Riccardo Montolivo then hit the goalpost with a curling shot from 20 yards that ricocheted back across goal in the 27th minute.

New Zealand’s combative approach was evident when Rory Fallon was shown a yellow card in the 14th minute for an elbow on Cannavaro.