The All Whites

25 June 2010

A tentitive start by both sides in this deciding match. New Zealand have to win this one to progress. Althought the Paraguayans have done most of the attacking, the All Whites have had them under control thus far. 7 shots for Paraguay and 1 for us and two yellow cards for Paraguay and none for us so far. This is a game Paraguay can afford to draw and New Zealand have to win.

One shot for Glory 45 minutes to give it everything.

After 67 minutes Rory fallon was taken off and Chris Woods went on. Jeremy Brockie came on and although the all Whites tried to attack, it was all about possession and Paraguay kept it well. Mark Paston continued with a string of fine saves. Right at the end Winston Reid got caught up in their penalty area but no penalty given. Possibly because of the crowd of players may have blocked the referees view.

The game finished 0-0 and the All Whites miss out on a last 16 spot. Slovakia beat Italy 3-2 to squeeze through. However it has to be noted. The All Whites went through pool play undefeated. Paraguay are 31 in the World rankings, Italy are 5th. They lads gave everything and then some. And Paraguay? Well in their three performances I rate them. Not as good as Brazil or Argentina, but a team to watch - quiet achievers. This game had a couple of cards but was not where near as dirty as the Italy game and a few others this World Cup.

I'll review the campaign after some thought. Just let it be known that we finished higher than Italy - the current World Cup holders.

21 June 2010

Shane Smeltz opened the scoring in the toughest game yet. His quick reaction beat the keeper to the ball and the Italians fans fell silent. It would not be the first time for them this evening. The All Whites ranked 78th in the World V Italy ranked 5th in the World. The italians didn't know what to do so they resorted to what they do best - cheating. Yep, they dived here, they dived there, they dived absolutely everywhere. The Referee bought into it and dealt out the cards.

Rory Fallon does have to learn to give his arms closer to his body for sure but he was getting canned by the referee no matter what he did. And sure enough, the Italians equalised. Yep, a penalty. And yes, it was yet another dive. It wasn't pretty for the rest of the game, all hands on deck and defensive. Chris Woods had an excellent shot from a difficult angle that just trickled passed the post. Mark Paston had a completely different game today. he played assured, confident and kept the Italians at bay stopping some excellent shots. Captain Ryan Nelsen held the team together and had a real stormer of a game.

Simon Elliott and Ivan Vicelich belied their age and held the midfield together. Leo took on the Italians and won a few tussles. the Italians did not know how to undo the All Whites. Brilliant result and bring on Paraguay this Friday in our final match at this stage. NZ football history has been made. We've drawn two games at a World Cup finals and we have deserved the points. Now we might get taken seriously - at last.

16 June 2010

Winston Reid headed home a Shane Smeltz cross in the 93rd minute to grab a draw thus giving New Zealand their first ever point at World Cup finals. 1-1 Final score!

Half time 0-0 in a scrappy game where both sides have had chances. Paston is playing a bit shakey. If NZ keep it up, they are capable of winning this.

Well this is it, game time. Ricki playing a 3-4-3 pattern with Ivan and Simon in the engine room.

A goal midway through the first half from Shane Smeltz saw off the World ranked number 15 side, Serbia, earlier this morning in a pre world cup friendly in Austria. Winston Reid started the move with a long ball that was flicked on by Rory Fallon to Smeltz. Later the crowd went wild - "literally" and it ended up with the Serbian Captain grabbing a microphone to placate the Serbian fans in attendance. An excellent result for coach Ricki Herbert and the team and for New Zealand football in their World Cup preparations.

Tim Brown's shoulder surgery was a success according to the surgeon whom performed the operation. He believes it should take 3-6 weeks for Tim to get better but knowing Tim, that will most likely be 2 weeks.

Chris Killen was given permission to leave the squad for a few days to get married. Congratulations Chris.

Cole Peverley from Team Wellington has been called into the World Cup Squad based in Austria as cover for Time Brown should Tim Brown not recover in time.