Herbert on a high as All Whites trip up Italy

NEW ZEALAND coach Ricki Herbert was ecstatic last night after world champions Italy were saved from humiliation against his team of minnows only by a controversial penalty.

The debatable decision allowed Juventus forward Vincenzo Iaquinta to rescue the Azzurri from total embarrassment after former Halifax striker Shane Smeltz had handed New Zealand a shock early lead at the Mbombela Stadium.

Italy then dominated a compelling Group F contest but could not find a way past the Kiwis’ outstanding goalkeeper Mark Paston.