New Zealand has gone ahead of the world champions, the first time in their World Cup history that they've been ahead in a match.

New Zealand's only other World Cup appearance was in 1982, when they eliminated after three matches.  A 93rd minute goal against Slovakia gave New Zealand a draw to open this competition, but it was only after Shane Smeltz flicked home a seventh minut dead ball play against Italy that the Kiwis were ahead for the first time in their World Cup history.

The goal came when a set piece was played from 35 yards out on the left flank, with defender Winston Reid flicking a ball against the chest of defender Fabio Cannavaro.  The ball fell to Shane Smeltz behind the defense who flicked a right footed shot past Federico Marchetti for the opening goal.