After a disastrous campaign in 2006, New Zealand bounced back under coach Ricki Herbert to qualify for their first appearance on the world stage in 28 years, following a debut showing at Spain 1982.
Herbert and assistant Brian Turner have turned the All Whites into a solid unit whose rearguard, the fifth-placed Asian nation Bahrain was unable to breach over 180 minutes of the intercontinental play-off.
The road to South Africa
New Zealand topped their Oceania qualification group comfortably winning their first five games before an inconsequential defeat in Fiji. The Kiwis then had an 11-month wait before a play-off against Bahrain, who saw off regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia to earn the right to play New Zealand. After a draw in the first leg, New Zealand progressed thanks largely to a goal from Rory Fallon.
Star players
Ryan Nelsen is undoubtedly the highest profile member of the squad. The defender has been a regular at Blackburn Rovers for a number of years, and is the only New Zealander to achieve such longevity in the English Premier League. At the other end of the pitch, the All Whites have a number of key attacking options led by the prolific Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen is a perfect foil for Smeltz, while Fallon and Chris Wood both possess quality aerial ability.
The coach
Herbert is one of New Zealand soccer’s most-famous figures, having been a regular member of the Spain 1982 squad and then becoming one of the first Kiwis to play in England. Well-regarded across both New Zealand and Australia, Herbert has formed the All Whites into a solid working unit who produce consistent performances.
Facts
- New Zealand have appeared on the world stage just once, with the qualification for the 1982 World Cup considered one of the country’s most famous sporting achievements.
- Herbert is set to claim the rare honour of featuring at the World Cup as a player and as a coach.
- New Zealand are the second consecutive Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) member to qualify for the World Cup after Australia in 2006. — Fifa