New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain (Agg 1-0): Kiwis Qualify For World Cup

A first half header from Rory Fallon gave New Zealand a 1-0 win over Bahrain in Wellington on Saturday to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982.

The goal from the Plymouth Argyle player late in the first half in the second leg of the intercontinental play-off sent 36,000 fans wild with excitement.

It wasn’t a smooth ride however as Bahrain missed a penalty in the second half that would have sent them to South Africa instead.

For the Reds it was the second successive heartbreak in the play-offs as they fell at the same hurdle four years ago.

After a goalless first leg last month, both teams had talked of their desire for an early goal at the Westpac Stadium.

Such a start never materialised as the proceedings were tight with both teams once again feeling each other out. The Kiwis looked comfortable in defence and the Bahrainis looked more comfortable on the ball.

All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston was the busier of the two custodians though and had to be alert just after the half-hour, keeping out two shots in quick succession.

Just as it looked as if the two teams would head in at the break still goalless, Fallon broke the deadlock by heading home a Leo Bertos corner.

The West Asians came out at the start of the second half in determined fashion and had a glorious chance to score a precious away goal seven minutes after the restart.

Tony Lochhead brought down Abdulla Omar in the box but Paston was once again the hero and saved what was a weak penalty from Sayed Mohamed.

Paston was never far from the action as Bahrain continued to press but it was Shane Smeltz that could have ended the tie late in the match. The Gold Coast United striker shot just wide.

There was still time for another Paston save before the final whistle blew to signal the start of the one of the biggest parties that Wellington and New Zealand have ever seen.