All Whites captain Tim Brown has described the postponement of Saturday’s FIFA World Cup match against Fiji as a “hugely disappointing” but is
confident his side has the character to lift itself again for Wednesday’s scheduled return leg in Lautoka.
New Zealand Football Chief Executive Graham Seatter broke the news that FIFA had ordered the match be called off just minutes after the side had
completed their final training session on North Harbour Stadium’s main pitch.
Brown and Thai Airways All Whites coach Ricki Herbert then fronted the media to give a team perspective of one of the most dramatic days in New
Zealand’s storied World Cup history.
“Hugely disappointed,” was Brown’s reply to how the squad had taken the news.
“It came completely out of the blue. Everyone was focused on this game which was a very, very big game for us and to have it pulled out from under
us at the last minute is a bit of a blow.
“But I’m sure the guys will be okay and our goal is to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and where and when we have to do that, we’ll focus on
that.”
Herbert agreed the false start to New Zealand’s World Cup campaign was disappointing. But he too agreed that New Zealand had the character to ready
themselves for Wednesday’s match.
Story courtesy NZF Media…
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