New Zealand World Cup Game 2

Posted by Kim Raggett on 23 June 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: World Cup, Soccer, Football, New Zealand, All Whites

Monday morning is often a slow start but this Monday morning was something special. Many stayed up or set their alarms for the 2am (local time) game start of the New Zealand vs Italy game. While yet others choose to find out the result when they woke later that morning.

The build up to this, the second of New Zealand's pool matches had been interesting with some writing off the draw against Slovakia almost as a fluke and many a commentator predicting a three or four nil win to Italy. But not the All Whites or their supporters! The team was determined to show the world there was more of the good stuff to come and home support was cautiously optimistic. 

And so, just seven minutes into the game Shane Smeltz guides the ball into the back of the Italian net and a roar goes up throughout New Zealand. It wasn't the start the majority expected and Italy seemed extraordinarily relieved when their equalising goal came from Vincenzo Iaquinta in the 29th minute. The second half in particular saw Mark Paston (the second of the goalies) make the types of saves legends are made of. This along with a solid team effort kept the full-time score at 1-1.

The world may have been shocked to learn the All Whites had stood up to Italy and held thier own but at home there was only elation. We may be a small country but are fiercely proud of our sporting teams. And as if we needed another reason to be proud of them, it has to be the way they are handling themselves with this dramatically increased exposure and media hype, and the way they are actively honouring the fans there in the South African stands and here at home.

New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud has become the land of the all white cloud. 

Though the story isn't over yet. Early Friday morning will see the All Whites take on Paraguay for the opportunity to cement their place in the second round of the FIFA World Cup and the history books. 

Enjoy every day :-)



Kim
(Kiwi05 on Twitter)

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz