Now in their sixth campaign, Oceania’s smallest nation had not won a single FIFA World Cup qualifier until this week, but suddenly they have secured a pair of victories within the space of 48 hours.
The men in green require just a single point from their final match against American Samoa to earn passage to Stage 2.
While many of the squad are competing in their maiden campaign, for midfielder Grover Harmon the results are a long-awaited dream.
The Harmon name has long been associated with football in the archipelago with Grover’s father Lee the long-serving national association President, while sisters Elizabeth and teenager Moeroa are also national team players.
Now Grover, who is enjoying his second FIFA World Cup qualifying experience, is front and centre as the nation enjoys its finest football hour.
“I’m speechless really, to get this far,” he says. “I had confidence in the boys. I knew we could push on, and we would always fight to the end.
“I’m super excited to make it this far with two wins in a row.
“We are more organised this year compared to four years ago. We had so many trials, including in Auckland, and it has led up to this.”
It is perhaps little surprise that Harmon has been imbued in the round ball game since his was born. His middle name, after all, is Zinedine.
“Dad though he would chuck that in there,” laughs Harmon. “He (former French FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane) is my idol, and it would be my dream to meet him one day.”
Harmon, who is a slightly built but tenacious presence in the heart of the side, is enjoying a rich vein of football success at the moment. He just helped his side Yagoona Lions win the local competition in Sydney, and will soon return to Australia and compete in the Champions of Champions to determine the state champions.
For now though the focus is on securing passage to the next stage with a result in Friday’s final match.
“We lead as role-models,” Harmon says. “And hopefully it means the next generation can follow in our footsteps.
“This means everything to us. We do it for our families, our nation, and everyone that is supporting us.”