For those who stayed up until 2 am New Zealand time to watch this match, I doubt whether many would have slept before going to work. To those of us who slept and awaited the morning news broadcast, we awoke stunned. Italy are the world champions, and New Zealand is ranked 78th.New Zealand took control early and scored from the first dead-ball situation in the Italian half when Shane Smeltz took advantage of glancing header from Winston Reid. Later in the first half, in a rather dubious call, a penalty kick was awarded to Italy, who equalised. But the All Whites defence, with brilliant work by goalkeeper Mark Paston, saved the draw. Indeed the All Whites almost seized a late winning goal when Chris Wood's beautifully angled shot just went past the Italian goal.
For highlights see
http://www.stuff.co.nz/3833139/All-Whites-v-Italy-highlights
Don't talk to us US soccer fans about an almost "late winning goal!" These matches are riveting live or as prerecorded games!
ReplyDeleteStunning indeed - great. The Italian penaly goal was definitely wrong - there is far too much Bollywood in this tournament. OK if the referees are unable to judge - but the TV replays reveal it all. Like a slight elbow contact with the chest - falling over and holding one's head etc ... One should introduce a new rule, where post-examination of such TV replays would lead to e.g. yellow or red cards for the player (actor) in question.
ReplyDeleteSwedish commentaries say, however, that the NZL goal was an offside. Looked so to me too.
Great sensation anyway - well done !
We in New Zealand pretty much agree Peter. We were lucky to be awarded that goal!
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