7: Kiwis win and take the cash, part one

In 2002 – that’s just nine years ago – the game in this country was on its knees. NSL was bankrupt, Soccer Australia were likewise stuffed and the Socceroos were still to qualify for a World Cup since 1974.

So the chance to play in the Confederations Cup – by winning the Oceania Nations Cup – was absolutely vital, if just for the cash. With Scott Chipperfield paying his own way from Europe – the only Euro-based player in the squad – the Socceroos went to New Zealand for the OFC tournament poorly prepared under Frank Farina and Graham Arnold and with an NSL squad.

Easy wins over the minnows was followed by a sucker punch from Ryan Nelson in the final to dump the Aussies out. The Kiwis had the cash, the big international games and we were left looking completely stupid. Again.Shades of 1998 all over.

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