Mark Paston -5 - May have pulled off a couple of decent saves, but made a couple of poor mistakes in the first half which could have led to goals. Wasn't really at fault for the goal, but there was never a great amount of confidence in him when he attacked the ball.

Ivan Vicelich - 5 - Typically workmanlike in his performance and for much of the match, kept out the Slovakian attack. However, on several occasions was found wanting for pace and poise on the ball. Was substituted late on.

Ryan Nelsen: - 7 - Typically strong captain's performance from Nelsen at the heart of defence, His desperation and strength was key to keeping the All Whites in the game. However, he did not have the influence pushing forward that he would have liked.

Tommy Smith - 4 - Exposed on a number of occasions down his side on the park, including the goal. Would have learned a lot from this match.

Winston Reid - 7 - Was partially at fault for the goal, having missed the ball with his head, but made up for it late on with a desperation block which spared NZ a second goal. He then completed a dream day by ghosting in on Shane Smeltz header to score a last-minute equaliser.

Leo Bertos - 6 - Was dynamic early on, dominating down the right hand side, but went out of the game as it wore on and was barely sighted in the second half

Simon Elliott - 8 - NZ's best on the day, particularly in the first half when he controlled a lot of play in the midfield and supplied most of the All Whites attacks. He was also strong in defence.

Tony Lochhead - 4 - Flittered in and out of the game, and it wasn't a World Cup debut he would fondly remember.

Rory Fallon - 4 - Was barely in the match for the 90 minutes and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel did a superb job on him.

Shane Smeltz - 7 - A couple of half chances early, but struggled to get on the ball and had a very quiet afternoon until the final few minutes. Could have scored with a free header and then supplied the equaliser with some superb build-up work

Chris Killen - 7 - Early on was the best of the attacking trio. He could have given NZ the lead on two occasions early in the match. Worked overtime to create chances for both himself and his teammates, but unfortunately it came to nothing.

Subs:

Chris Wood - 4 - Was sent on for Killen late in the match but had little or no effect

Jeremy Christie - 4 - Came on for Vicelich late on and only played a minor role