New Zealand earns surprising draw with Italy

The meaning of a World Cup draw couldn't be more opposite than in Italy's 1-1 tie with New Zealand yesterday at Nelspruit.

For the Azzurri, the one point was depressing. For the Kiwis, it was monumental.

Defending champion Italy had to rally to get the draw in the latest World Cup stunner. With two successive ties, the 78th-ranked New Zealand is in position to advance to the second round if it can beat Paraguay on Thursday. The Italians also would move on from Group F if they beat Slovakia.

"I think that stopped the nation," New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said. "It's the most incredible result we've had across the board. As a football coach, it's way above anything we've achieved in the history of the game."

Quite the opposite, if you have an Italian perspective.

"We're just sorry we didn't win a match we could have," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "If we didn't win against New Zealand it's our fault."

New Zealand took the lead after only seven minutes when Italy's captain Fabio Cannavaro made a horrendous error, handing a goal to Shane Smeltz.

A long free kick sailed off Cannavaro's hip as he fell and directly toward the waiting Smeltz for the tap-in. It was New Zealand's only shot on goal the entire match.

Vincenzo Iaquinta equalized in the 29th minute with a penalty kick and Tommy Smith was given a yellow card for tugging down Daniele De Rossi inside the area.

Brazil 3, Ivory Coast 1

Luis Fabiano scored a pair of goals and Elano added another as Brazil beat Ivory Coast 3-1 at Johannesburg to secure a spot in the second round of the World Cup with one match to spare in Group G.

Luis Fabiano scored his first goal in six matches for Brazil with a powerful right-footed shot in the 25th minute after a perfect pass by Kaka between defenders. Fabiano added to the lead in the 50th with his left foot from near the penalty spot after beating two defenders inside the area. Replays appeared to show him handling the ball before scoring.

Elano scored Brazil's third goal in the 62nd after another setup by Kaka. Kaka received two yellow cards late in the game and will be suspended for Brazil's next match, against Portugal.

Didier Drogba scored the lone goal for Ivory Coast with a header in the 79th.

Paraguay 2, Slovakia 0

At a World Cup lacking offense, Paraguay showed some punch. Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros each scored as Paraguay took a big step toward the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Slovakia at Bloemfontein. - AP