New Zealand go out undefeated

The South Americans finished with five points, one ahead of Slovakia, who knocked out holders Italy in the group’s other match, while the Kiwis go out unbeaten after their third consecutive draw.Chances were very few and far between in a contest between the naturally defensive New Zealanders and a Paraguay side who looked comfortable enough…

The All Whites drew all three games and finished ahead of defending champions Italy but it was not enough to put them into the last 16.However, Herbert, who refuses to be drawn on his own future, has nothing but praise for his squad. “I am delighted with what the guys have done. I’ll need to…

The team’s run came to an end on Friday morning (NZ time) with a scoreless draw against Paraguay but New Zealand can leave South Africa with their heads held high after winning their first points at a FIFA World Cup and being undefeated in all three Group F games.Van Hattum says the support for the…

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…