Sport

New Zealand women beat Italy

13:08 pm on 25 February 2010

The New Zealand women's football team have started their Cyprus Cup campaign with an unlikely win in Nicosia, after upsetting the world number 11 side Italy 1-nil.

A goal from forward Amber Hearn in the first half proved to be the winner, and the coach John Herdman says New Zealand deserved the victory after such a strong 90 minute performance.

The win is a remarkable turnaround after the team's back to back 3-nil home losses to Australia last week.

New Zealand will next match up against the Netherlands, who head Group A after a comfortable 4-1 win over Scotland.