Shane Smeltz has given New Zealand a shock 1-0 lead against defending World Cup champion Italy in the teams' Group F match.
Smeltz tapped in from close range in the seventh minute after Simon Elliott's free kick deflected off Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Italy tried to hit back two minutes late with Riccardo Montolivo's free kick but New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston pushed the ball away.
Simone Pepe then cut into the Kiwis' box from the right touchline but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.
New Zealand's combative approach was on show as early as the fifth minute when Rory Fallon's elbow caught Gianluca Zambrotta in the contest for a high ball.
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