Before the game started, I wrote: 'Can the fairy-tale story come true? Can the All Whites get a point off the Azzuri; the World Champions?'

Amazing. Where has that crystal ball gone?

The shape of the ball might concern New Zealand, but at least the game starts all-square.

Proving that all is not bad when the ball is round in Kiwi Land, New Zealand took the lead against the World Champions, with just six minutes played; when Fabio Cannavaro diverted a free-kick for Shane Smeltz to tap-in past reserve goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti.

The Italian defenders started playing like big babies, falling over, clutching a chest here, a face there and generally trying to get New Zealand players booked; especially as it already worked once. Not really the kind of antics to encourage neutrals to want to see Italy go much further in the tournament.

They might like to fall down a lot but you can't keep the Italians down; as Tommy Smith conceded a penalty for shirt-pulling on Daniele De Rossi, before half an hour was even out.

After waiting for a little order to be restored on the edge of the penalty area, Vincenzo Iaquinta calmly sent Mark Paston the wrong way.

As the American media might say, New Zealand go into the break winning.

Half-time: 1:1

Substitutions started early in the second-half but not much changed with the game. Of course Italy wouldn't be happy with a draw; although one point is better than none.

Italy started to up the attacking movement in the last twenty minutes, but Mark Paston was equal to the Riccardo Montolivo shot; even affording a moment to watch the replay on a large screen.

Tommy Smith - so nice to see an Ipswich Town player back in the World Cup Finals - has had an exceptional game in the New Zealand defence, and considering the World Champions have only scored from a penalty (for shirt-pulling by Tommy), that's saying something.

In the 83rd minute, at the other end, substitute Chris Wood came oh so close to planting past the outstretched Marchetti.

Well, Marcello Lippi asked questions about his Italy team at half-time and had the courage to make the changes quickly; but he couldn't have known what answer New Zealand would give.

The New Zealand fans all had the shirts off; swinging them around their heads in the final minutes, oblivious to the South African winter chill.
Are you watching Australia?

Italy 1 New Zealand 1