Tim Brown: I'm aiming for Italy

OPINION: I thought my World Cup was over. I was sitting in a small cubicle, in a hospital somewhere in Melbourne, sometime towards the end of the second half of the All Whites game against the Socceroos.

The radiologist who had just X-rayed my shoulder had given me the sort of brush-off that I had had some past experience with: "There is a fracture, but you'll have to talk to the doctor."

I had a gut feeling that I had done some real damage and, when the doc finally showed up, he confirmed that, having first informed me that Aussie had stolen the game in injury time – thanks for that.

But, as tears started to look like a distinct possibility, he left me with the hope that the bone fragments could be screwed back in place.

With successful surgery, a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, my World Cup dream wasn't out of the question. For the next two weeks I would hold on to that possibility as strongly as I could.

The next evening, back in Auckland, I met one of the country's top surgeons. As he looked over the X-rays he said: "Something has been taken away from you but you have the opportunity to take it back."

We made a plan together to do everything possible to get me right to make it to South Africa. A deadline of June 9 was set for a final decision on my fitness and the next day I went ahead and had three screws put in my right humerus. I now had 13 days to get myself right.

The next few days were a blur. I stayed in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, held a press conference, had a visit from the PM, tried to answer the overwhelming number of emails and texts from people, all while taking slow-release morphine. Not really a great combo, but I got through it and got back to Wellington for a few days.

When I returned to Auckland for an intensive week and a bit of rehab, my brother Paul took time off work and came with me.

He had been at the game in Melbourne, flown back with me for the surgery, and was by my side for every trip to the physio and the gym that week. He drove me around, chopped up my food, and made sure I never had a moment to feel sorry for myself.

From the outset I promised myself that if I eventually got on the plane to South Africa it was to contribute, to play, and not just to make up the numbers.

My recovery went amazingly well. By the time I met the surgeon for my fitness test I felt confident he would give me some good news. He did, and I was on the first plane to Johannesburg.

I found a team quietly focused, in great spirits, and desperate to get the tournament under way. With our opening game against the Slovakians tonight I believe we are ready to make the next few weeks a very special time.

As for me, I am back in training and pushing to get involved. The first game will be beyond me, I think, but I am hopeful I'll be in the mix for Italy.

Whatever happens I am enjoying every minute of this World Cup experience knowing that in many ways I am very lucky to be here.

Tim Brown has joined the Dominion Post team and will write regular columns from the World Cup. His next will appear on Saturday.

- © Fairfax NZ News