Shane Smeltz gave New Zealand their greatest ever result as they held world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in a Group F match this morning.

Italy dominated a compelling contest thereafter but could not find a way past outstanding goalkeeper Mark Paston.

The surprise result keeps alive New Zealand's hopes of reaching the second round for the first time in their history and leaves Italy with still much to do.

The All Whites, after their last gasp equalizer against Slovakia, made the perfect start as Smeltz crept into the box to give them a seventh minute lead.

                                                                                                
Italy coach Marcello Lippi had warned New Zealand's greatest threat would come from set pieces and his side were caught out as Simon Elliott swung in a free kick from the left.

The ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz.

The Gold Coast forward, who has also played for Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon, gleefully accepted and poked past the goal keeper.

New Zealand were incensed when Rory Fallon was booked for catching Cannavaro in the face and replays did suggest contact had been minimal.

New Zealand were caught out after 28 minutes as Daniele de Rossi went down in the area after the slightest of shirt pulls from Ipswich defender Tommy Smith.

The Kiwis complained about the decision but Iaquinta stepped up to convert from the spot, much to Italian relief.

New Zealand team coach, Ricki Herbert told BBC sports his defenders stood tall in the match which made the World Champions work hard.