New Zealand Holds Italy to a Draw

Malarky's, Newport Beach

The most recent winner of the FIFA World Cup, Italy, played a match against New Zealand June 20 in Nelspruit. Malarky's Irish Pub in Newport Beach was showing the game at 7 a.m. for a few fans on Father's Day. Unfortunately, the result was another upset, as neither team came out on top.

Italy-supporters following the game

New Zealand was the first team to score with a goal from Smeltz in the sixth minute. An Italian player was yellow-carded in the 13th minute. Italy's Cannavaro seemed to injure his rib as he used his defensive skills by jumping up on his opponent's shoulder. Their other defender, Chiellini, hurt his face as it struck against his opponent's shoulder with hopes of possessing the ball. Kiwi player, Smith, was yellow-carded for a foul, giving Italy a penalty kick in which goalscorer Iaquinta tricked the goalie and aimed the ball at the opposite corner of the net. An All Whites player, Nelsen, was also yellow-carded, but no goals were scored during the second half. World champions Italy have not been proving that they can easily beat their opponents during this tournament. Both of the matches they have played so far have resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Malarky's, Newport Beach

The Italian-heritage Shively family, from Newport Beach, was supporting Italy's team, being dual citizens of Italy and America. However, Rob was wearing a French jersey to the pub. He was able to swop soccer jerseys with a lone French fan in a sea of Italy fans on the pitch after Italy beat France in the last World Cup. Ian loves this sporting event and said, "It's just awesome that the world comes together every four years to watch something that the U.S. really doesn't like or can't really enjoy unless it's every four years." Though the final result was not as he predicted, Geoff seemed quite optimistic at halftime as he stated, "I'm pretty sure there's gonna be some bloodshed...I'm thinking that the All Whites are going down today." Commenting on Sunday's game results, Christine thought the tie was "anti-climatic."

The Shively Family support Italy on Father's Day