Herbert’s move to play three central defenders and the three pronged attack of Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon and Chris Killen had been labelled a risk, but while the All Whites were kept scoreless – despite tireless work from the front trio – the team’s ability to soak up pressure in oppressive conditions and break up Bahraini attacks means the two nations once again start level at Westpac Stadium.
A victory on home soil would clinch a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
“We’re under no illusions what we have in front of us,” Herbert said.
“It’s in our hands now, like it was in Bahrain’s tonight. You get the chance to play in front of a fantastic home crowd like Bahrain did tonight, and we won’t disappoint you with the crowd we’ll have in Wellington.”
“Expectations around New Zealand were that an absolutely outstanding performance would be to bring a point home and a very good performance would have been a narrow loss.
“The nation will be excited that we’ve brought the tie home. We’ve got a fantastic stadium, it’ll be sold out and it’s up to us to put a couple of balls in the back of the net and win the tie”
The All Whites were under pressure for large portions of the match but the second half substitutions of youngsters Chris Wood and Michael McGlinchey helped reverse the tide. The combination of the two resulted in Wood burying New Zealand’s best chance, albeit picked up by the linesman as being from a slightly offside position.
Bahrain had their chances too, and Herbert hailed two “excellent” saves from his keeper Mark Paston that kept Bahrain at bay as well as a “gutsy” team effort.
“I like what we saw for long periods, and whilst we were under pressure I would’ve been surprised if we weren’t. Australia are the best team in Asia and they were put under pressure when they came here.
“The back three of Sigmund, Nelsen and Vicelich were absolutely outstanding and laid the platform to give us a very precious outcome.”
Given the scale of what’s at stake over the home and away playoff between the Oceania champions and the fifth best team in Asia, Herbert rates the draw as the best yet from his four years in charge of the All Whites.
“I think it’s right up there. To come here and bring that tie home like that. I’m very proud of the players.”
“Certainly in my tenure as manager of the national team, that would be the best.”
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Qualifiers
First Leg
Bahrain 0 New Zealand 0
Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tickets from www.oneshotforglory.co.nz or 0800 TICKETEK
Story and photo courtesy of NZF Media