Mark Paston - 10 - Absolutely magnificent goalkeeping performance from a man many said was only in goals because Glen Moss was suspended. While on a couple of occasions earlier in the game he looked a little uncertain, his conviction in the second half was beyond belief. Pulled off two amazing saves from Riccardo Montelivo and Mauro Cameronesi late in the match and was the best player on the field.

Ivan Vicelich - 7 - Was strong in defence in the first half before being moved into the midfield to tighten things up in the second half. Did his job very well, forcing Italy to use the flanks to attack. Was substituted late in the game but could be pleased with his efforts.

Ryan Nelsen - 9 - An inspirational leader, who played another dominant performance in the heart of defence. Marshalled things very well in the middle of the park and produced a quality block in the box in the final minutes of the match. He is the embodiment of the NZ spirit.

Tommy Smith - 6 - A raw product who has been thrown into the fire at this World Cup. He acquitted himself very well, especially when asked to operate in a back three in the second half. Only black mark was the penalty he conceded for Italy's opener. It was a soft call, but he did have a handful of De Rossi's shirt.

Winston Reid - 8 - Backed up his memorable performance against Slovakia with an even better one in this match. Played a role in the Smeltz goal with a clever flick on header. He then stepped up for the rest of the match in defence, providing strength and mobility and holding the world champions out.

Leo Bertos - 7 - Showed plenty of energy going forward, where he was the All Whites most dangerous midfield player. Used his speed well to attack the Italian full backs and made some ground in that area.

Simon Elliott - 7 - Typically hard as nails performance from the midfield enforcer. Provided the free kick which resulted in the opening goal. Was constantly in the face of the Italian midfield, disrupting play and giving his defence time to get organised.

Tony Lochhead - 7 - Very, very good out on his side of the park. Italy constantly tried to open up down that side but had very little luck as Lochhead provided the steel and discipline needed to hold his opponents out.

Rory Fallon - 8 - One word - Physicality. The Italians and the referee took an instant dislike to the big man, who constantly ruffled their feathers with his unending attack on the ball. Importantly he did it at both ends of the park, helping out in defence before being withdrawn because Herbert feared he may be sent off.

Shane Smeltz - 8 - Smeltz has a habit of doing one or two good things in a game and shaping that contest. It was no different against Italy. He was rarely in it, but when he ghosted in behind the Italian defence and capitalised on Fabio Cannavaro's error, he created yet another piece of NZ history.

Chris Killen - 5 - An unusually quiet game by his lofty standards. Perhaps he was carrying an injury, but on a couple of occasions, he looked to be struggling to chase the ball and he rarely go into the play. Was substituted late on.

Subs:

Chris Wood - 7 - Provided a real spark when he came on for Fallon in the final 20 minutes. Had an excellent chance to give New Zealand the win, but pulled it just wide. No doubt a real player for the future.

Jeremy Christie - 6 - Came on late on and did his job in preventing Italy from scoring.

Andy Barron - 5 - Would have struggled to have touched the ball after only coming on in injury time.