New Zealand Qualify

November 14, 2009

New Zealand have secured their place at next year’s finals in South Africa with a 1-0 aggregate win over Bahrain in their two legged Asia/Oceania play off.

Following a 0-0 draw in Bahrain, a nervy match at the Westpac Stadium was settled by Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon. It will be New Zealand’s first appearance at the finals since Espana ‘82.

Early pressure came from the visitors but they could not find their way to goal and New Zealand eased into the game, manufacturing chances for Blackburn defender Ryan Nelson and Chris Kileen, who rattled the crossbar. Leo Bertos was causing problems from midfield, opening up the Bahrain defence on several occasions.

the match was heading for stalemate at the break when a minute before half time, Fallon rose to head home Bertos’ cross and send the All Whites in a goal to the good.

Bahrain squandered a golden opportunity to level just after the break, Mark Paston saving Sayed Adnan’s 50th minute penalty, and Fallon’s goal proved to be enough. Some desperate defending late on protected New Zealand’s slender lead and the final whistle sent them to South Africa 2010.

BruiseLee

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