By Andrew Gourdie
For the first time in 27 years, the All Whites have qualified for the Fifa World Cup.
The team beat Bahrain 1-0 on a windy night in Wellington to send a nation into raptures.
As the whistle finally blew on 27 years of world cup frustration, 35,500 fans erupted and emotions ran wild as the All Whites grabbed their one shot for glory.
All Whites coach Ricki Herbet was over come with emotion, his voice hoarse from yelling but still managing a few colourful comments.
“I said if I can see ya on the f***ing pitch when ya win this game – then we're there mate - South Africa!”
It was striker Rory Fallon - son of 1982 All Whites assistant coach Kevin Fallon - whose header earned New Zealand a ticket back to the world cup.
Herbet was ecstatic with Fallon’s performance.
“Oh mate, f***, Kevin before the game he was so emotional, I’ll be out on the drink with him tonight,” he says.
Fallon was also overwhelmed by the whole game.
“Awesome I just couldn't believe it, just ecstatic,” he says.
“I just can't believe it, I’m so happy.”
There was a hero at the other end of the field as well, goalkeeper Mark Paston's second half penalty save was the stuff of legend…and luck.
“I guessed actually, apparently they tried to get out to me from the sideline that he goes to my right,” he says.
“It's a good job I went that way because it didn't get to me so I just guessed.”
The victory means the All Whites will return to the world cup finals for the first time since 1982.
The team’s achievements sparking frenzied celebrations among success-starved football fans.
For those lucky enough to be there - players, coaching staff and fans - it will be remembered as one of the biggest moments in New Zealand sporting history.
3 News