Abhay Puri rates the individual performances in the Group F game where the Kiwis held Italy to a 1-1 draw.
In the feelgood hit of this tournament, the plucky New Zealanders held out brilliantly against an unimpressive Italian side. Here's how the players fared...
ITALY
Federico Marchetti - 6
Didn't have too many saves to make, and couldn't do much about the goal.
Gianluca Zambrotta - 6.5
The veteran was threatening down the right, and involved in a few good moves, but failed to find the perfect cross or an end product.
Fabio Cannavaro - 5.5
The Italian captain defended poorly from the set piece that led to the Kiwi goal, and was unconvincing on the few occasions where he was called upon.
Giorgio Chiellini - 5
The center-back was not tested much defensively, but wasted a couple of decent chances from headers and a volley a few yards out.
Domenico Criscito - 6
Showed promise on the left, but too often his final cross was lacking.
Riccardo Montolivo - 7.5
One of the few Italians whose reputations will have been enhanced by that match, Montolivo was unlucky not to have his name on the scoresheet - first he hit the post, and then Paston produced an amazing save to deny him in the second half. Also played some great passes.
Daniele De Rossi - 5
Went down far too easily to win the penalty, and did not do much after to contribute to Italy's cause.
Simone Pepe (off 45') - 6
Too often his final cross was poor, and was rightly taken off at the half.
Claudio Marchisio (off 61') - 5
The much-hyped midfield man did not do much in terms of creating chances, and was largely kept quiet.
Vincenzo Iaquinta - 5.5
Took the penalty calmly and finished well, but other than that he was not able to get on the end of a number of opportunities.
Alberto Gilardino (off 45') - 5
Was very quiet in the first half and then substituted at the break.
Substitutes
Mauro Camoranesi (on 45') - 5
Hogged possession without doing much for a fair period in the second half. Was slightly unlucky as his powerful goal-bound shot was well saved by Paston.
Antonio Di Natale (on 45') - 6.5
Was impressive after coming on, playing in some dangerous crosses and demonstrating much trickery, but unable to find the end product.
Giampaolo Pazzini (on 61') - 5
Didn't get much of a chance to show his skill in the box, seeing very little of the box.
NEW ZEALAND
Mark Paston - 8
Had a brilliant game apart from the penalty, which he guessed the wrong way. His saves from the long shots by Montolivo and Camoranesi were especially crucial.
Winston Reid - 7.5
Had a solid game at the back, making a number of important blocks and clearances.
Tommy Smith - 6
Was slightly unfortunate to concede a penalty, but should have known better given the Italian flair for dramatics.
Ryan Nelsen - 9
One of the star performers for the Kiwis- he made a number of crucial blocks, cleared everything that came his way, won a number of critical headers, and led his side capably from the back.
Leo Bertos - 7
Made some impressive runs down the right, and stuck well to his defensive duties too.
Ivan Vicelich (off 81') - 6
Took a stinging shot that was just wide, and stuck well to his marking and defensive duties as well.
Simon Elliot - 6.5
The veteran played in a great free kick for New Zealand's goal, and defended capably too.
Tony Lochhead - 6.5
Stuck to his task and the Italian forward line, and made life difficult for them by blocking everything that came his way.
Chris Killen (off 92') - 6
Didn't see too much of the ball, as NZ defended desperately for much of the match.
Rory Fallon (off 63') - 6
Was unfortunate to receive a booking early on, and was a threat in the air whenever NZ managed to get the ball upfield.
Shane Smeltz - 7
Took his chance well to put the All Whites in front, and held up the ball well on the few occasions that he got a chance.
Substitutes
Jeremy Christie (on 81') - 5
Defended well in the last few minutes.
Chris Wood (on 63') - 7
Showed great skill to create a chance that almost put the Kiwis back in front in the second half, and held the ball up well.
Andy Barron (on 92') - 5
Was brought on mainly to waste time, and didn't have much of an opportunity to show his abilities.