Highlights of the All Whites 2010 World Cup Campaign.

NEW ZEALAND v SLOVAKIA
15 June 2010

Slovakia, and much of the world, was stunned when a goal deep in injury time from Winston Reid handed the All Whites a 1-1 draw against Slovakia. Coach Ricki Herbert hailed the draw as one of the best results in his nation’s football history. It was also New Zealand’s first goal in the finals in 28 years and sparked wild celebrations.


NEW ZEALAND v ITALY
21 June 2010

If the first match was a surprise, the All Whites 1-1 draw with football powerhouse Italy was a huge upset as Shane Smeltz became the first A League player to score in a World Cup. Italy dominated the contest but could not score until a contentious penalty spared Italy from embarrassment and left New Zealand with a real possibility of making the second round for the first time.


NEW ZEALAND v PARAGUAY
25 June 2010

A courageous All White team left nothing on the field in their bid to beat Paraguay, but the fairytale ended as they could only manage a goal-less draw. Coach Ricki Herbert felt his side bowed out of the World Cup with pride as it missed an historical qualification for the knockout stages by a solitary point. The All Whites returned to a heroes welcome.