“We know, we know: Italy always starts slow. But come on. This is ridiculous. Italy, the defending World Cup champion, tied New Zealand, supposedly the worst team in the tournament, 1-1 in Nelspruit on Sunday. It was the greatest moment in the latter’s nearly nonexistent World Cup history and one of the lowest for the former.” (WSJ)

World Cup 2010: Italy 1-1 New Zealand
“When the World Cup was expanded to twenty-four nations for the tournament in Spain in 1982, the decision didn’t come without criticism. Some of it was reserved for the fact that twenty-four nations meant that the tournament had to take an almost absurd looking shape with two group stages (which was jettisoned after one tournament), but the majority of it was reserved for the notion that an expanded World Cup finals would lead to lopsided matches, with new teams getting thrashed out of sight by the old guard. The transitional period was difficult one (El Salvador’s 10-1 defeat at the hands of Hungary springs immediately to mind) but, over all, this expansion was required to make football more of a global game.” (twohundredpercent)

Italy 1-1 New Zealand – Video Highlights, Recap, and Match Stats – World Cup – 20 June 2010
“The reigning World Cup champions played their second match of the World Cup looking to get three points against New Zealand. They were the huge favorites heading into the match but New Zealand are a side that has surprised by making it to the tournament and getting a draw in their opening match.” (The 90th Minute)