Soccer: Ref ruined match - Nelsen

All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen appeals to the referee after Italy was awarded a penalty during their match in Nelspruit. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ryan Nelsen was highly critical of the referee in this morning's incredible 1-1 draw with Italy, saying he got "stars in his eyes" and ruined the match.

The straight-talking All Whites skipper was incredulous at some of the decisions awarded by Guatemalan whistle-blower Carlos Batres, especially his decision to award a first-half penalty that Vincenzo Iaquinta converted.

All Whites defender Tommy Smith tugged at Daniele Di Rossi's shirt but the Italian midfielder, known as their hard man in the middle of the park, fell to ground as if he had been shot by the sniper behind the grassy knoll.

"The penalty was ridiculous," said Nelsen, who might come under scrutiny from Fifa for his comments. "Even Di Rossi was laughing to me. He couldn't believe he had given it. He was laughing.

"Obviously the referee didn't help us. I think he got stars in his eyes. If he's the best that Fifa offer up then, gee whizz, I would hate to see the worst. It was very sad to see. He ruined the game.

"Every ball we put forward, he blew the whistle before there was even contact. It was incredible. The penalty was ridiculous as well. It shows you what they had to do to get a goal, which was a shame.

"They were looking for it. That's smart and the ref fell for it because they are the Italians, the world champions. The referee just buckled. We knew it would happen as well.

"It's not really in our nature to do it. We try to play as fair as possible. For me, Fifa have to start looking after the game for guys who are diving and guys looking for fouls. They have to look at guys who are faking or conning the referee."

Every team is culpable of "simulation", as it's known in official circles, but some countries are better than others. The Italians are masters of the dark art and milked it at every opportunity this morning.

One of their tactics was to go to ground clutching their face whenever Rory Fallon contested a header. Fallon courts scrutiny because of his technique in the air, and he often goes up with his arms outstretched, but he's often penalised for simply being better in the air than his opponents.

He has probably developed a reputation among referees and coach Ricki Herbert couldn't predict what Batres might do and wisely substituted Fallon for Chris Wood in the 63rd minute.

"We are strong, we are very good in the air," Nelsen said. "That's part of the game. That's not being negative. It's just a strength of ours. The Italians knew it so they knew they were going to hit the ground and pretend they got elbows.

"The ref got stars in his eyes. Absolutely saw stars. That's what New Zealand has to go up against. If they make a bad mistake against us, no one really says anything but if they make it against Italy the whole world complains. He just got stars in his eyes."

On the flip-side, the All Whites were beneficiaries of an officiating error when Shane Smeltz scored in the seventh minute. The New Zealand striker was in an offside position when Winston Reid flicked on a Simon Elliott free-kick and stabbed it home from six yards.

And while Italy can rightfully be upset about the referee's decision, there is a difference between benefiting from a bad call and downright cheating.

The goal forced the Italians to chase the game, which put New Zealand under immense pressure, but it also helped spread self-belief throughout the side.

"It helps when you score after a few minutes," Nelsen said. "For the rest of the team, they don't play against world-class players [but] they make many mistakes and they are human. That's what I try to tell the boys.

"Once you get the first 10-15 minutes out of the way, you will realise that. Most of our guys are better athletes. Sure they are better footballers but when you are a better athlete, you're stronger and faster, you can do things. Getting the goal really helped and gave everyone confidence."

If it didn't exist already, there's now a real belief within the side that they can pull of a miracle and progress to the second round. Few would have predicted that when the All Whites left New Zealand on their World Cup journey in the middle of May.

A draw against Paraguay might be enough to go through to the last 16 but a win would guarantee passage.

"It's given us a great opportunity that even maybe a draw might get us through against Paraguay and that's really exciting," Nelsen said. "Who would have thought? The last game of the group and we're really competitive.

"It will be very difficult. Paraguay are an incredible team. I have already spoken to [former Blackburn teammate] Roque [Santa Cruz] and he is lining us up. It will be fun to play him.

"I think New Zealand are now every country's second team after their own. It's kind of like a Cinderella story. It's fun."

Except, that is, when a Guatemalan is in charge.