Posts Tagged ‘all whites’

New Zealand qualify for the World Cup

Ok well the island nation of New Zealand is in raptures today following last night’s football victory over the visiting Bahrain side in the world cup qualifier. It is the first time since 1982 since New Zealand have qualified for the world cup finals series, and only the second time ever. The world cup finals are to be played in 2010 in South Africa.
The win is the latest in a string of victories for New Zealand national football teams, and is the result of an overall strengthening of the game in this country.
The game itself was a hard fought battle – one that saw periods of domination by each team. In both halves the Bahrain side started strong, but the New Zealand defence held solid, and chances on goal for Bahrain were few. New Zealand began to build steady pressure around the 15 minute mark in each half however, culminating in the game’s only goal shortly before the half-time whistle. A far-side corner drew a header from newly-capped Rory Fallon, which saw the ball bullet into the back of the net. Fallon’s father Kevin Fallon, was deputy-coach for the 1982 side which qualified, so the family now has a double-billing in New Zealand’s football history.
Early into the second half of the match, bahrain had their best opportunity at a score by being awarded a penalty. Kiwi goalkeeper Mark Paston had other plans however, and stopped the shot low down, bringing a roar from the crowd and New Zealand supporters watching the game live on television around the world.
Football – generally known as soccer in this part of the world, is traditionally not a strong sport in New Zealand, where rugby is king. New Zealand’s All Blacks are among the world’s top rugby teams and are recognized the world over. Although nowhere near as famous as their rugby counterparts, the New Zealand national football team – the All Whites can count on increasing popularity and recognition over the coming months, both inside New Zealand and globally. As a small but proud nation, New Zealand still has a strong community spirit, which is evident in the way they back their national sports sides in any code, and the All Whites are sure to be strongly supported. Complete underdogs heading into next year’s world cup finals, the New Zealand side is bound to be hugely popular with fans from around the world, and their passion and dedication can only serve to further enhance New Zealand’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most incredible countries – one where guts and commitment are held high: where the underdog is always given a fighting chance, and where the spirit of never giving up runs deep.
Good luck New Zealand.