|
|
New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen ready for crunch World Cup clash against Bahrain
One win is all the Kiwis need to qualify for South Africa 2010…
10 Nov 2009 12:53:11
By Adithya Ananth
Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen is hoping that he can help New Zealand to secure a spot in the World Cup finals - for only the second time in the nation's history - by beating Bahrain in their play-off decider on Saturday.
Following last month's goalless draw in Manama, a victory at home is all the Kiwis require to book a place in South Africa.
Nelsen will wear the skipper's armband for the crunch encounter in Wellington.
"The whole of New Zealand will be willing us to the finals," Nelsen is quoted by Sport as saying.
"The game is a 40,000 sell-out and it is creating huge interest.
"I haven't had the opportunity to play in too many big games for New Zealand in the past, but this promises to be something special and I can't wait to play in it.
He added: "If we were to reach the finals for only the second time in our history, it would be absolutely massive for football in New Zealand.
"It would inspire a whole new generation and encourage more youngsters to stay in the game."
The last time that the Kiwis reached the World Cup finals was in 1982, when they lost all three of their group games, including defeats by Brazil and Scotland.
Bahrain have never qualified for a World Cup finals.
Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen is hoping that he can help New Zealand to secure a spot in the World Cup finals - for only the second time in the nation's history - by beating Bahrain in their play-off decider on Saturday.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Following last month's goalless draw in Manama, a victory at home is all the Kiwis require to book a place in South Africa.
Nelsen will wear the skipper's armband for the crunch encounter in Wellington.
"The whole of New Zealand will be willing us to the finals," Nelsen is quoted by Sport as saying.
"The game is a 40,000 sell-out and it is creating huge interest.
"I haven't had the opportunity to play in too many big games for New Zealand in the past, but this promises to be something special and I can't wait to play in it.
He added: "If we were to reach the finals for only the second time in our history, it would be absolutely massive for football in New Zealand.
"It would inspire a whole new generation and encourage more youngsters to stay in the game."
The last time that the Kiwis reached the World Cup finals was in 1982, when they lost all three of their group games, including defeats by Brazil and Scotland.
Bahrain have never qualified for a World Cup finals.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Make Your Prediction Choose match
Papua New Guinea - New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Papua New Guinea - New Zealand
- 100 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
-
The definitive timeline of FSG's hunt for new manager
Kenny Dalglish's sacking at the end of the season sparked a massive hunt for the next Anfield boss, and the former Swansea man has been chosen after several turned the job down
