New Zealand qualify for South Africa
New Zealand have booked their place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
A 0-0 draw in the first leg in Bahrain set things up for an exciting second leg, which New Zealand won 1-0 in front of a capacity crowd.
Celtic striker Chris Killen nearly opened the scoring in the first half when his left volley crashed back off the bar but the home team were not to be denied. Right on the stroke of half-time, the deadlock was breached and once again, a set-piece was responsible.
Bertos swung the corner in and Rory Fallon was able to rise unmarked in the six yard box to give New Zealand the lead.
The second half saw Bahrain pile on the pressure and New Zealand hearts would have missed a beat when this happened:
That was as good as it got for Bahrain, and even there were some scary moments before the final whistle New Zealand were back at the World Cup for the first time since 1982. That team was drawn in a group alongside Brazil, Russia and Scotland and no doubt a tie against the Brazilians would be of great interest once again. That is for a later date though and you can guarantee that many New Zealand fans will be waking up with a sore head in the morning.
The celebrations of knowing you will be at the World Cup next summer can be seen here:
Thanks to http://www.youtube.com/user/soccerWhites
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