New Zealand v Italy today

Unbelievably New Zealand managed to pick up their second consecutive World Cup point, against the reigning champions no less!

Gold Coast United striker Shane Smeltz coolly slotted the ball past Italy's Federico Marchetti after seven minutes.  Was he offside?  Possibly.  The White Noise certainly won't care and I'm not sure that I particularly care either.  Stories like this are what World Cups are all about and it's heartening to see an underdog getting a break for a change.

Smeltzy is an interesting character.  Born in Germany in 1981, he started his football career in 1999 turning out for various Australian clubs before heading across the world in an attempt become a success in England.  He initially joined Mansfield Town (then playing in League Two) making just five appearances before signing for AFC Wimbledon (then in the Isthmian League Premier Division) and scoring 26 goals from 46 run outs.  The following season (2006/07) saw him stepping up to Conference National level with Halifax Town FC.  Wellington Phoenix tempted him back to the A-League a year later and it was there that he stayed for the next two seasons chalking up a total of 21 goals from 39 appearances.  His next club, Gold Coast United is where he's enjoyed his best form so far.  Last season he appeared 25 times and bagged an incredible 19 goals. 

I'd imagine none of those 19 goals will taste quite as sweet or indeed be quite as meaningful as the one he scored today.  Pretty good for a guy lining up against Braintree Town a mere 4 years ago!