Paston retains spot for group decider

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…

The recipient of the award was chosen by goal.com’s editorial team, who say it goes to a player deserving recognition for achieving something special.“It won’t necessarily be the best player in the world – at least not usually – but whoever we nominate will have done something amazing,” says the website, available at www.goal.com Nelsen…

The Auckland-based medic is the first female doctor to look after a participating team in the 80-year history of the FIFA World Cup.As the All Whites’ doctor since 2003, Geertsema witnessed plenty of highs and lows prior to the team ending a 28-year wait last November with qualification for South Africa.In her career as a…

Ricki Herbert, New Zealand coachI think our entire country, which numbers four million inhabitants, came to a stop to watch our performance. It’s an incredible result for football in New Zealand. It’s historic and greater than anything else we’ve ever achieved when you consider the standing of our opponents. From now on, everything is possible,…

Only a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty prevented Marcello Lippi’s Azzurri dropping all three points as the All Whites, who took an early lead through Shane Smeltz, produced a courageous and intelligent performance to earn their second FIFA World Cup point.Faced with a side ranked 74 places above them, New Zealand might have been expected to park…

As the New Zealanders stayed glued to their spots waving flags, a grinning Prime Minister John Key lingered in the VIP box, apparently content to drink in the glory of the All Whites’ surprise showing against the defending champions. Ecstatic fans, some of whom had travelled nearly a full day by plane to be at…

Arguably just as unthinkable is the manner in which Ricki Herbert’s side set about taking a fully merited point from the all-star Italians. Faced with a team 74 places above them in the FIFA world rankings, the Kiwis would have been forgiven for taking the default underdogs’ approach: field a 4-5-1 formation in which the…

The Wellington Phoenix only met up with the squad in South Africa last week following surgery on his injured shoulder. He sat out the draw against Slovakia but is keen to realise his FIFA World Cup dream by making it onto the pitch as soon as possible.Coach Ricki Herbert is pleased with the way Brown…