Nelsen was struck down by a stomach bug in the days leading up to the Group F decider against Paraguay and says he felt ‘awful’ and was only functioning at about 40 per cent. But he once again led a resolute All Whites defence flanked by Winston Reid and Tommy Smith, and ably supported by…
New Zealand referee Mike Hester’s cup run will continue into the knockout stages after the Auckland resident was appointed as fourth official for today’s Round of 16 clash between the United States and Ghana.The naval officer made history earlier by becoming the first New Zealander to take charge of a game at a FIFA World…
The All Whites have earned creditable draws against Slovakia and Italy through sheer hard work allied to a sustained physical presence. Martino’s side, who currently top the group and need only a point to progress to the last 16, may play more football but he knows that will be no guarantee of success come kick-off.“The…
A draw could be enough to put the All Whites into the second round, providing Italy versus Slovakia finishes in a lower-scoring draw.They have already drawn against the other two teams in Group F but Paraguay pose the greatest threat of them all with their attack-minded side. But having worked hard to get themselves into…
Maori Football New Zealand manager Philip Pickering-Parker made the presentation at the squad’s base at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Resort, just out of Johannesburg.“I was asked to give a presentation to Ricki and the team from the Maori people of New Zealand to show their support and goodwill for what is happening at the…
After all, it wasn’t every day that Barron turned up for work with a TV crew following close behind.Then again, this was the morning after the night before, and what a night it had been, with the New Zealand midfielder helping his country qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in 28 years.Yet if the…
Paraguay are two points clear at the top of Group F heading into the final round of pool fixtures after drawing with reigning world champions Italy and beating Slovakia in their opening two games.Having got what, on paper, looked to be their two toughest fixtures out of the way, Paraguay are now firm favourites to…
New Zealand’s first two pool matches, against Slovakia and Italy, have yielded identically historic 1-1 results, and a third draw may see them through to the second round – providing Italy and Slovakia play out a lower-scoring draw in Johannesburg. A maiden World Cup victory would guarantee the All Whites, who will wear their alternative…
A large Kiwi media contingent has travelled to South Africa to follow the All Whites’ progress at the event. But on Monday there were around 60 journalists and cameramen at Serengeti Estate and Golf Resort, where the players have been staying. Coach Ricki Herbert and several players were in hot demand for interviews with the…
The four-game suspension of fellow custodian Glen Moss has ended, meaning he would be available to play between the sticks against the South Americans. Paston was in sublime form behind a strong rearguard led by Ryan Nelsen and a string of world-class saves from the Wellington Phoenix player helped the All Whites pull off one…