10 Underrated FIFA World Cup Moments
8. New Zealand Draw With Holders Italy - 2010
Let's start off this entry with a pub quiz question: Name the only country to make it through the 2010 World Cup unbeaten. Did you get it? The answer is, of course, New Zealand. Despite going out at the group stage, the Kiwis were unbowed and unbent on the plane home from South Africa. This was only the second World Cup that they had managed to qualify for. It wouldn't take much to outdo the efforts of their previous venture, three losses in 1982.
However, the draw didn't make it easy on them, pitting them against Paraguay, Slovakia, and holders Italy. Few gave New Zealand much hope of qualifying but a solid showing in a 1-1 draw with Slovakia proved they wouldn't be an easy opponent. Italy had played out the same scoreline with Paraguay and thus were under extra pressure to pick up a win against their unfancied foes. Things didn't get off to a great start when they conceded early. It was the first time that New Zealand had taken the lead in a World Cup match, making neutrals lean forward with interest.
Italy rallied back and eventually levelled the score. While most teams would retreat and desperately cling on to a point, New Zealand had chances to go back in front. They followed up this historic draw with another stalemate - this time a goalless one - versus Paraguay. Italy lost to Slovakia, meaning New Zealand finished above them.