All Whites: How they rated
BY FRED WOODCOCK
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Football
How the All Whites rated during Saturday night's 1-0 World Cup qualifying playoff second leg win against Bahrain.
Mark Paston 10
Went as close as anyone will ever get to having the perfect game. Commanded his area, made a great first-half stop, and of course saved the penalty from Sayeed Adnan that turned the match.
Ivan Vicelich 8.5
He's getting on in years but you wouldn't know it. Ran like a spring chicken, pulled off several clutch tackles, and crucially blocked a goalbound shot late in the match with a desperate lunge.
Ryan Nelsen 9.5
What can you say? Cool, composed, commanding and a tower of strength at the back. Led by example, as we all expected. A class act.
Ben Sigmund 7.5
Harshly dealt an early yellow card that may have played on his mind but got into the game well. Left nothing on the pitch and made the incisive run that led to the corner from which Rory Fallon scored.
Tony Lochhead 7
Playing out of position, there was a period where Bahrain got in behind him, but apart from that was solid and worked hard down the flank all night. Will surely be inviting Paston around for dinner this week.
Tim Brown 8
Some people have said he was anonymous but that is untrue. Had a great second half defensively, made a plethora of tackles and even demanded to get back on the pitch after he'd been subbed! A gutsy effort.
Michael McGlinchey 7
In late for Simon Elliott, he ran himself ragged in the middle of the park before being subbed. Didn't find much traction going forward but did the job defensively.
Leo Bertos 9
What a difference two weeks makes. Had been flat for the Phoenix but was back to his best when it mattered, running at defenders, creating space, and assisting goals. Did what was asked of him in defence, too.
Chris Killen 8.5
For someone who hasn't played much of late, Killen was superb. Strong, skilful, and ran hard. His first-half volley that hit the bar was a cracker.
Shane Smeltz 7
From an attacking point of view, he had a quiet first 85 minutes but ran his socks off up front and did some good defensive work. Had two great chances late as Bahrain searched for an equaliser.
Rory Fallon 9.5
If Paston was officially the man of the match, Fallon wasn't far behind. Dominant in the air and a great touch for a big lad. Powerful header for the goal. Didn't put a foot wrong all night. Top drawer.
Andy Barron 8
Replaced McGlinchey with 27 minutes to go and had a great game. Worked hard in the middle and constantly hassled the Bahrainis. Not bad for an NZFC player!
Chris Wood 7.5
Only had seven minutes but put himself about and set up a couple of chances, the best of which fell to Smeltz.
Andy Boyens NR
On for Brown in the 90th minute. Not enough time for a rating.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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