New Zealand
New Zealand qualified for the World Cup finals after beating Bahrain 1-0 on aggregate in a two-legged play-off. It was a close run as they needed a penalty save from Wellington Phoenix keeper, Mark Paston, to prevent them losing on the away-goals rule.
Under Coach Ricki Herbert, New Zealand topped the Oceania Football Confederation Group with five wins from six matches, and picked up invaluable experience ahead of the play-off with Bahrain by appearing in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
The "All Whites" have benefitted from the fact that Australia are now considered an Asian nation, and will relish their first finals appearance since '78. While much will depend on a defence led by Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Nelsen, it will be a chance for muscular forwards such as Chris Killen and Shane Smeltz to enjoy their moment in the world spotlight.
Chances:
The All Whites ensured a truly global event by qualifying as the Oceania region's representative, but few would back them to get beyond the group stage.
