New Zealand are heading to the World Cup this summer for the first since 1982 and the squad have high hopes of progressing past the initial group stage.
The All Whites secured their qualification last November after registering a 1-0 victory over Bahrain in a play-off with a goal courtesy of Plymouth striker Rory Fallon.
In the second leg of their tie in front of a record crowd in Wellington, Fallon's goal came in the 45th minute, with goalkeeper Mark Paston adding to the drama by saving a penalty early in the second half.
The victory sparked huge celebrations among the Kiwis, with soccer fever infecting the rugby-obsessed nation.
"It was surreal," said Fallon.
"My phone was red-hot and the game was shown over and over again on TV. I think to play in the World Cup would put me top of the family pecking order.
"Nobody can take away from me the fact that I got the goal that took New Zealand to the World Cup. It is an awesome feeling."
New Zealand, who are ranked 79th in the FIFA standings, made their first appearance in the global competition in 1982 in Spain and failed to progress past the first round.
They lost all three group phase games - against Brazil, the Soviet Union and Scotland - scoring only two goals.
The current squad has been managed by Ricki Herbert since 2005, and is captained by British-based player Ryan Nelsen of Blackburn.
With only one professional team - the Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian A-League - New Zealand may be hard pushed to make a mark this summer.
They have been drawn in Group F against defending champions Italy, in addition to Paraguay and Slovakia, in South Africa and are rank-outsiders to win the tournament with odds of 3000-1.
Fallon, though, remains positive about the forthcoming challenges.
He said: "Of course people will say we have no chance but it's a brilliant group for us.
"Nothing is impossible in football and I believe we can finish second and get through to the next round.
"Italy have already won the group so the battle is for second place. I'm certainly not saying we will beat Italy, but we've got a very good chance against the other two.
"Even Italy could have a bad day, we have a great day, and end up winning. That's football - a funny old game. There are always upsets."
South Africa 2010 will certainly be a challenge for the inexperienced Kiwis but perhaps the excitement of their return to football's greatest competition will inspire them to some surprise performances.
In the second leg of their tie in front of a record crowd in Wellington, Fallon's goal came in the 45th minute, with goalkeeper Mark Paston adding to the drama by saving a penalty early in the second half.
The victory sparked huge celebrations among the Kiwis, with soccer fever infecting the rugby-obsessed nation.
"It was surreal," said Fallon.
"My phone was red-hot and the game was shown over and over again on TV. I think to play in the World Cup would put me top of the family pecking order.
"Nobody can take away from me the fact that I got the goal that took New Zealand to the World Cup. It is an awesome feeling."
New Zealand, who are ranked 79th in the FIFA standings, made their first appearance in the global competition in 1982 in Spain and failed to progress past the first round.
They lost all three group phase games - against Brazil, the Soviet Union and Scotland - scoring only two goals.
The current squad has been managed by Ricki Herbert since 2005, and is captained by British-based player Ryan Nelsen of Blackburn.
With only one professional team - the Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian A-League - New Zealand may be hard pushed to make a mark this summer.
They have been drawn in Group F against defending champions Italy, in addition to Paraguay and Slovakia, in South Africa and are rank-outsiders to win the tournament with odds of 3000-1.
Fallon, though, remains positive about the forthcoming challenges.
He said: "Of course people will say we have no chance but it's a brilliant group for us.
"Nothing is impossible in football and I believe we can finish second and get through to the next round.
"Italy have already won the group so the battle is for second place. I'm certainly not saying we will beat Italy, but we've got a very good chance against the other two.
"Even Italy could have a bad day, we have a great day, and end up winning. That's football - a funny old game. There are always upsets."
South Africa 2010 will certainly be a challenge for the inexperienced Kiwis but perhaps the excitement of their return to football's greatest competition will inspire them to some surprise performances.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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