New Zealand v. Vanuatu
Ahhh, 1982 - when every month was Movember for the All Whites, and our bewhiskered team of British ex-pats and hard-grafting locals (and Wynton Rufer) took on the likes of Brazil at that year's Football World Cup.
It's been a long time since the All White's graced the stage of the World Cup Finals, but, amazingly enough, over the next few months there's an (outside) chance of the lads going 'all the way' again.
Since Australia has joined the Asia Confederation, the Oceania group is now pretty much there for the taking by the Kiwi boys. Barring disasters like the 2006 campaign's loss to the Solomon Islands, New Zealand is most likely to go through and face the 5th-ranked Asian qualifier (again, a pleasant change from previous qualifying rounds, where the Oceania qualifier would have to battle past the 5th-ranked South American nation), in a home-and-away playoff for a spot in the 2010 World Cup Finals.
Given the current Asian rankings, that's most likely to be one of Saudi Arabia, Japan, Bahrain or Uzbekistan - any one of whom the New Zealander's would fancy upsetting on a good day.
But before this can happen, the All Whites need to nail down the Oceania qualifying pool, and, to that end, you can help by heading down the Stadium this Wednesday evening and cheering on the team to a win over Vanuatu - a win that would guarantee our spot as top team in the Pacific.
New Zealand v. Vanuatu
Wednesday, November 21st
Westpac Stadium
Gates open at 4.30 pm.
Kick off is at 6pm.
Adults - $27
Child (15yrs and under)- $15
Family (2 adults and 2 children) - $64
Concession (Senior Citizens 60+) -$15
Students with valid ID - $15
I headed along. My eldest son was one of the kids who walked onto the pitch with the Vanuatu team, and got to line up in the middle while the anthems were sung. Couldn't miss that!
And, yeah, disappointing turnout, but, despite that, still a great atmosphere. The Yellow Fever guys were all bunched together and chanting the whole time, so there was still plenty of noise. Even more so when each goal went in.
NZFC are probably cursing the fact that we've got the Phoenix double-header coming up next weekend - people probably saving their pennies (or already spent them) for one or two of those games.
Tell ya what though, if we make the playoff to make the World Cup, and they play the home leg at the Stadium, I'll be getting my ticket in a flash.
I was thinking of going but then I saw the price 27 nicker hmmmm maybe not. They should made it an aryton senna to attract the masses required to make an atmosphere. I'll probably be watching it on TV one @ 10:30pm.