Minnows New zealand on top of the world after holding Italy to 1-1 draw
Minnows New zealand on top of the world after holding Italy to 1-1 draw
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert celebrated one of the greatest results in his country's sporting history after holding world champions Italy to a draw last night.
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| Tommy Smith of New Zealand (right) battles with with Vincenzo Iaquinta of Italy during their Group F match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, yesterday. Pic/Getty Images |
Herbert said: "I think it has stopped the nation. I think it is the most incredible result we've had.
"I know it is early in the morning in New Zealand but I think there will be a lot of excitement back home.
"It's more than anything we have achieved in the history of the game. I think it will be embraced enormously."
The surprise result kept alive New Zealand's hopes of qualifying for the second round for the first time in their history.
They now face Paraguay in their final game on Thursday knowing that a win will take them through.
Herbert added: "A lot of people felt we shouldn't be in the World Cup or felt the way we qualified was easy.
You can write your stories now.
"I don't think anyone remotely gave us a chance. We are doing okay for a team that supposedly has some amateurs and shouldn't be in the World Cup."
Coach Marcello Lippi is adamant he has the players in South Africa to successfully defend Italy's World Cup crown despite scraping a 1-1 draw with minnows New Zealand.
"We have the super goalscorer of our championship in Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta is getting back to being fit and we have Mauro Camoranesi as well," Lippi said.
"I don't think it is a problem in that area. We are trying to look into things and seeing things that didn't work. I am absolutely sure that we did not leave any phenomenal players at home.
"I've selected these man and I still believe in them."
