The All Whites are just one win away from punching their ticket to the FIFA World Cup in North America next year.
After routing Fiji 7-0 on Friday night, the team will face New Caledonia in the Oceania World Cup qualifiers final at Eden Park.
If the All Whites win, New Zealand will send a team to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years — and just the third time in history.
Speaking to media yesterday, All Whites vice-captain Liberato Cacace said the team was ready to rise to the challenge.
“There’s a good buzz around the camp off the back of that victory in Wellington, and now everyone is excited to really go out there and get the job done.”
He said a “large part” of the team played during the qualifier loss against Costa Rica that saw them miss out on the last World Cup, “and we just want to make amends for that”.
“We’ll do everything we can to make that job realistic.”
Head coach Darren Bazeley said the game against Costa Rica “hurt” and that the wait between World Cups was always long.
“I think we’re so close now.”
He knew the team were the favourites heading into tonight’s fixture but said the squad wouldn’t be complacent.
“With this group of players, they’re so focused and determined that it just won’t happen. They’re not going to slack off, there’s not going to be any complacency, they’re not taking New Caledonia lightly.
“It’s a game of football, and I think we’re ready.”
1News spoke to former All White and head coach Ricki Herbert, who was in the squad for its first World Cup campaign in 1982, taking the team to the 2010 World Cup 28 years later as head coach.
He said tonight’s game would be “very special” for New Zealand football.
Asked if he had any advice for the players, Herbert said it was all about “statements” and “seizing opportunities”.
“Just really value that you’ve been given this opportunity, and you can’t afford to miss a moment.
“I’m confident that we can go back to another World Cup, post-Monday, I know they’ll be confident, but please, seize the moment, take the opportunity, embrace it and go and deliver the best possible performance you’ve ever done in your football career.
“If we bring that together with 11 or 12 or 14 players… We have a fantastic chance to be in America, Canada, and Mexico next year.”
The team will face New Caledonia in the Oceania World Cup qualifiers final at Eden Park. (Source: 1News)
Tonight’s final between New Zealand and New Caledonia kicks off at 7pm.
You can watch it live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2.
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