For some there was no time to lose sight of the main goal – getting ready for a world cup opener against Slovakia in 15 days’ time.
Squad members who did not start the Serbian match – including Jeremy Brockie who played close to 30 minutes as a substitute – began a 75-minute training session just minutes after fulltime.
The remainder had more time to enjoy the win and a special reception from the All Whites’ proud hosts in Saint Lambrecht.
But an early morning pool session on Sunday helped soothe tired bodies and shift attention back to South Africa.
“I think today will be used to reflect on the game, and take all the positives with us. It was a good game and something we can use to work forward with,” young defender Winston Reid said at the start of the day.
The team later travelled to Bad Waltersdorf where they will stay and prepare for Friday’s friendly against Slovenia at a facility used annually by London giants Arsenal for pre-season training. The Slovenia match will take place across the border in Moribor.
En route, many of the squad and management took in a friendly between England and Japan in Graz, won 2-1 by England thanks to two second-half own goals.
The All Whites resume full training today with the complement of players restored following the return of newly-married Chris Killen and the recent arrival of on-standby midfielder Cole Peverley, brought in as injury cover for vice-captain Tim Brown.
Story courtesy NZF Media
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