All Whites credibility restored

Reuters

UNDER PRESSURE: All Whites striker Chris Killen controls the ball in front of Iraq's Mohamed Ali Kareem during the 0-0 draw in Johannesburg.

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Credibility was the buzz word of the Confederations Cup as far as the All Whites were concerned and it took till the very last minute, but they got there.

Poor performances against Spain and South Africa were backed up by a resilient 0-0 draw with Iraq at Ellis Park in Johannesburg yesterday.

From a results point of view, it ensured they met pre-tournament expectations, and they also created a slice of history by winning their first point at a Confederations Cup.

But, more significantly, it proved they can compete with the top Middle Eastern teams, remembering they will play either Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, ranked marginally higher than Iraq, in the home and away World Cup qualifier in October and November.

"I think we showed people tonight that when we are switched on, we keep the ball well and we believe in ourselves, we can perform well," All Whites captain Tim Brown said.

"We can leave with our heads held high and we will learn from this. I truly believe we will give it a bloody good nudge at returning here next year [for the World Cup].

The All Whites copped criticism most of it justified after listless performances against Spain and South Africa, but Brown believed yesterday's showing would renew confidence in the team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

"We're up against it, whoever we play, that's just the nature of the situation we are in. It's David and Goliath," he said. "No-one hurts more than the boys when we don't go out and perform and all the excuses in the world are not going to stop the criticism.

"That's part and parcel of it, but at the same time I think it's belief. The players are starting to believe and hopefully the people back home will start to believe and show up at that home leg and get right behind us."

Defender Ben Sigmund said the topsy-turvy nature of their performances meant there would not be any complacency in October.

"We've got a lot to learn for the qualification games but for me, it's better to be in that situation than thinking you are too good for what is going to be around the corner.

"Everyone I have spoken to has said, `look, I've got a lot of work to do'."

Brown and fellow midfielder Simon Elliott, who along with goalkeeper Glen Moss was New Zealand's player of the tournament, both had mixed feelings after yesterday's draw, a worthy performance they should really have got more out of.

The All Whites dominated possession, corners, shots at goal and scoring chances.

Chris Killen could have had a hat-trick on another night while Shane Smeltz had several chances and went close to scoring a late winner.

Iraq's only real chances came late and it took two saves from Moss and a Tony Lochhead clearance off the line to preserve the result.

Said Brown: "There have been two good performances and two bad ones and the boys are all hurting a little bit because we're sitting there thinking `why didn't we bring that sort of intensity and belief to the first couple of games?"'

Said Elliott: "There is some disappointment. We have to be 100 per cent every time we play and we weren't. We let ourselves down in the previous two games but I think we redeemed ourselves tonight."

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert said the result was a nice milestone. He and assistant coach Brian Turner hugged after the match and Herbert said Turner had even shed a tear.

"We've never come to a tournament and dictated a game like that before. It was humbling and I'm very proud of this team."

- © Fairfax NZ News