It was a game of persistence and perseverance. Slovakia are a technically gifted side with a good work ethic and a reputation for being hard to beat. New Zealand, in contrast, had no reputation. This was their first World Cup game since 1982 and the Kiwis were eyed up by the rest of their Group F opponents cannon fodder, an easy three points to get on the board.
And then Winston Reid happened. With 93 minutes on the clock, the Maori defender got to the ball first and delivered New Zealand their first ever World Cup points. Quite the achievement for a man who was heading straight for the Danish national team until a “gut feeling” sent him back to his homeland.
Having moved to Denmark aged 10 with his mother, Winston Wiremu Reid had played for Denmark at Under-18, 20 and 21 level, but a change to FIFA’s rules allowed the defender to represent for New Zealand at full international level. And Reid’s decision has brought immediate benefits for the All Whites.
“Of course I had doubts,” he says. “I weighed up my options for a long time and I think I have made the right decision – not because of the goal but because of the feeling in the team.” Reid said after the Slovakia match, pointing to a growing belief in a side who had the joint longest odds before a ball was kicked.
“He’s been a great coup for us,” said coach Ricki Herbert. “He’s only a young player and no doubt internationally he will progress. But he’s got a great heart and he’s slotted into the team really well. It’s a special moment to score for your country at any stage, let alone at a World Cup."
As well as uncovering a new national sporting star, Herbert’s men are becoming increasingly optimistic and they have some cause. Their draw was built on a solid foundation that played to their strengths. There was no fancy footwork or multiple stepovers, the focus instead being on getting the ball up to their front men early and trying to get a meaningful flick on, a tactic that created some good opportunities throughout the match.
The Italians, New Zealand’s next opponents on 20th June, are remaining nonplussed however, with Corriere dello Sport saying “The Kiwis have shown very little beyond a great physique and great team spirit.” But citing the All Whites for a lack of sophistication might be missing the point. Herbert’s men have a good team ethic, great organisation, the physical attributes to trouble any defence and they play to these strengths.
Striker Rory Fallon thinks the Italians would be foolish to underestimate his team. “This is a landmark and we know we can kick on and do better.” he said. “We’ve watched videos of Italy and they struggle on the crosses and the long diagonal ball.”
Some pragmatism remains however as Fallon went on. “Italy are a brilliant team, world champions, and I’d never be so cocky to say we will beat up the champions, but we never go out thinking we are going to lose.”
A healthy dose of cautious optimism might be just the thing. But expectations have certainly be raised back home, with some pointing to the Slovakians’ goal being offside as proof that New Zealand should have even snatched victory. Steve Sumner, the captain in 1982 when New Zealand last attended a World Cup, summed it up. “I thought they were hard done by in the end," he said. "I didn’t think their goal was a goal. It was offside. Our blokes got the result they deserved, and perhaps deserved a bit more than that."
Whether that’s the case or not, it’s undeniable now that New Zealand have something to play for. A win against either Italy of Paraguay will give them a good chance of qualification. Beyond that, this is a statement to the people of New Zealand. Football was front page news after the Slovakia match and the All Whites have raised the profile of the game already. It has been shown that New Zealand can be a competitive force, that they’re not just making up the numbers and, if nothing else, this one point will provide a platform they can build on.
Herbert spoke of pride in the dressing room after the game, understandably, and he faces a tough job now keeping feet on the ground without dampening the team’s spirit. It’s likely that the Italy game will result in a loss for the All Whites, meaning a continued focus on Paraguay is essential, but at the same time Herbert will surely not be willing to just give in to the Azzurri and will want to make a game of it, even if his troops are likely to be starved of possession for much of the game.
“I said to the boys before the game that it is 90 minutes long, but all it takes is a few seconds to etch your name in history.” said the captain, Ryan Nelson. “Those few seconds happened for us in the 93rd minute."
Winston Reid’s name has already gone to the engravers after just four appearances for his national team. The rest of the squad will be keen to join him there, and any points against the Italians would guarantee it.
