Christie plays part as New Zealand ties Italy at World Cup

Posted Jun 20, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jun 20, 2010 at 12:06 PM

FC Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Jeremy Christie made a second appearance at the World Cup as a second-half substitute as New Zealand pulled off a stunning 1-1 draw against defending champion Italy on Sunday afternoon in Nelspruit.

Shane Smeltz gave the All Whites a shock seventh-minute lead, but Italy equalized before halftime as Vincenzo Iaquinta converted from the penalty spot after Daniele De Rossi was pulled down in the penalty area.

The All Whites held firm though, goalkeeper Mark Paston putting in a terrific second-half performance to deny the Azzurri a second goal. As in New Zealand’s opening game against Slovakia, Christie entered late in the second half, this time in the 80th minute. He almost had a hand in stealing a victory for his side, in fact, a clever pass in the 83rd minute to Chris Wood allowing the lanky forward to beat Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro only for Wood’s shot to flash just wide of the post.

It was Christie’s 24th appearance for the All Whites, who as the No.74-ranked team in the current FIFA rankings recorded one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history by earning the tie against the No.5-ranked Italians. The side still has the opportunity to advance to the second round, but would need a positive result against Paraguay on Thursday to give itself a chance to move into the round of 16.