World Cup 2010

New Zealand Matchwinners Rory Fallon And Mark Paston Are The Toast Of Wellington

Many a glass will be raised to the dynamic duo over the next few hours up and down the length of the country...

Nov 14, 2009 10:49:03 AM

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New Zealand’s heroes Rory Fallon and Mark Paston were almost lost for words after helping the All Whites to a first World Cup since 1982.

In front of over 35,000 fans at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday evening, the Kiwis defeated Bahrain 1-0 in the second leg of their 2010 World Cup play-off.

The first leg ended goalless last month. Fallon headed the only goal of the two legs just before half-time and goalkeeper Paston saved a penalty seven minutes after the restart from Mohamed Sayed Adnan.

“I always fancy myself when the boys put the balls in and I have been scoring lately at my club so I just visualised it today and I knew I could do it,” Fallon, who plays for English club Plymouth Argyle, said according to Reuters.

“That is the belief that Ricki has been going on about. Everyone had that belief. Leo (Bertos) put in a great cross and I put it away.”

If Paston hadn’t got down quickly to save a weak Bahrain penalty however, the Reds would have jetted to South Africa instead.

“I actually guessed,” the goalkeeper admitted.

“They were trying to tell me what way he goes, but the message didn’t get on and I just guessed.

“It was great to save a penalty, but the whole second half the boys in front of me were incredible and it comes down to that. It was amazing what they did for me.”