All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston also saved a 51st-minute penalty from Bahrain's Sayed Adnan.

BBC: New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain

Slovakia's best chance of a breakthrough, though, came through New Zealand's nervy keeper Mark Paston.

BBC: New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia

The holders nearly hit back instantly but All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston clawed out a dangerously bouncing Riccardo Montolivo free-kick with a posse of blue shirts waiting at close quarters to pounce on any mistake.

BBC: Italy 1-1 New Zealand

Shots on target could be counted one hand and the best of those came in the second half with Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz stinging the hands of All Whites keeper Mark Paston with a 25-yard free-kick.

BBC: Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand