New Zealand never had it so good

New Zealand sport never had it so good. Their soccerites who are dribbling in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa sent their countrymen delirious with joy when they figured in a 1-all draw with Italy.

Minnows New Zealand were kicking in a World Cup tournament after 28 years and in holding the World Champions to a draw covered themselves with glory and it was all celebrations in Kiwiland.

When the two teams kicked off, the Italians were the favourites to stroll to victory, with many predicting that New Zealand were only opponents with no chance of being in the picture.

Reigning champs

The Italians were the reigning World Champions and had in their ranks some of the finest soccer players that the world had seen. They were better exposed to the game worldwide and were much better trained than the Kiwis.

But once the referee blew the whistle, the Kiwis did not show any inferiority, but faced their opponents with great determination and courage. The Italians never bargained for a fight from the Kiwis.

What was amazing was that the New Zealanders gave as good as they got and never allowed the usually rampaging Italians to take charge, get on top and dominate as they usually do.

They played the better football to open scoring and stun the Italians. They had the Italians rattled with their style of play and asked no quarter or gave as they mounted attack after attack on the Italian fortress.

First blood

The Kiwis stunned not only their countrymen, but the world when they drew first blood. The Italians had to summon al their strength and resources and probe and pray to god for the equaliser.

The Italians who had pride to protect would have liked to hit their opponents net with a legitimate goal, by dribbling, inter- passing and beating the stubborn Kiwi defence to score.

But the Italians who were grasping for breath and with a humiliating defeat stairing them in the face, got the equalizer in ungainly fashion by being awarded a penalty, which many felt was not the right decision by the referee.

By holding the Italians to a draw the Kiwis celebrated. News reaching us has it that there were wild celebrations with many asking for a holiday and partying going on for days.

Celebrations

Sri Lankans now domiciled in New Zealand had also joined in the celebrations and merry making and according to Padmini and Asoka Atapattu who stayed awake taking in the heart stopping action in the wee hours of the morning, the staying awake was fully worth it.

According to Asoka the excitement was fever pitch with everyone praying for an upset New Zealand victory against the world champions which would have done the game there a world of good and becoming a top sport in the country.

According to John key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, who was taking the action live at the scene of action, the atmosphere was incredible with his heart racing for the last 30 minutes.

Wonderful display

In this wonderful display by the Kiwis it is not fair to name names and pick them for special mention. But if we do not mention the name of goal-keeper Mark Paston for his excellent keeping it would not be fair by him.

He stood like the Rock of Gibraltar between the uprights and there was no striker in the much talked about forward line of the Italians who could shoot past him and hit the net.

New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum who was the custodian when the Kiwis last played in the World Cup finals in 1982 and who was keeping Prime Minister key company at the stadium and suggested that Paston deserves a knighthood.

‘He can have whatever he wants right now’, the PM had said according to Radio New Zealand. Paston had a barrage of stinging shots aimed at him in the second half with the Italians looking for the winner. But he refused to be beaten.

Poor refereeing

Incidentally the refereeing has come in for question at this World Cup tournament with two former Brazilian players now turned coaches Carlos Albert Parerria and Dunga not at all satisfied with the blowing.

Full credit to the Kiwis who played from out of their skins to hold the Italians and rewrite their footballing record books. They can keep blowing their own trumpets for years to come.

At the time of writing, France who were the runners-up to Italy in the previous tournament were pushed out this time round in the first round which must be humiliating and their players and supporters could not believe it. But that is how the game goes.

England who were precariously placed having to play Slovenia in a must win game to enter the last sixteen, scrapped through with a one goal to nil victory and were given a rousing cheer by their soccer crazy supporters who are in their numbers at the scene of action.

Soccer crazy

England, in their earlier games failed to impress and had they lost to Slovenia would have tumbled out in the first round which would have been a disgrace, considering that they are soccer crazy nation.

The United States of America too sent their countrymen ecstatic by beating Algeria 1-0 also in a must-win game. This win took them into the last 16 and triggered off celebrations.

The next round where the best 16 teams will do battle will be very interesting. One hopes that the refereeing that has come in for criticism would improve and allow the games to be evenly contested.