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