If you had any doubt as to who was the better team, well, you’re a moron. Right at the 8th minute, New Zealand confirmed their favouritism and superiority with an expertly placed free kick cross that was met by a well-placed Smeltz who struck it home. New Zealand then proceeded to carry out their game plan to perfection, with ball possession efficiency (40%) and a choking “half court” coverage that impeded Italy from doing anything! Sure, Italy had their chances with Montolivo’s shot at the 9th, Pepe at the 10th, Chiellini at the 16th, Zambrotta at the 22nd and Montolivo hitting the post at the 27th, but other than that, it was all the Kiwis! At the 28th minute, New Zoolander’s Smith held De Rossi in the box and a penalty was given. Iaquinta scored the penalty, otherwise known as a cowards goal. Italy continued to attempt to put pressure on the powerhouse New Zealand (10 total shots) but they were unable as the obviously are inferior and the game was tied at the half. For the second half, I fully expected New Zealand to break through and score two goals on the minnows of the World Cup, Italy.
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The second half started in a surprising fashion as Italy was actually being able to put pressure on New Zealaned, though most were ugly shots with no danger, but hey, there were trying! Meanwhile, I was thoroughly disappointed with New Zealand. Sure they had a magnificent scoring chance with Wood in the 83rd minute, sure they had one of the greatest goalies in the world (Paston) put on a memorable performance, sure their defense was focused, disciplined, alert, shut the Italians, covered all areas and saved a couple of goals, but I expected more from these world class players who play in the world’s best teams. Italy put on a valiant effort as the underdogs as they had 23 total shots on goal (New Zealand won the shots on goal percentage though), they dominated ball possession and most of the game was played in New Zealand’s field. For Italy, it was a good solid point for they survived the mighty wrath of power that are the Kiwis, for New Zealand however, it was a complete embarrassment, a failure and a disappointment that will go down in their history as they were the heavy and unanimous favourites to win everything in the universe. – source
Score: 1-1.