2010 FIFA World Cup: New Zealand Preview

The All Whites enter this World Cup as major outsiders. The country's main passion is Rugby Union and the country ranks a lowly 78th on FIFA's list.  

It is only their second visit to the finals and qualification has been made easier by Australia's defection to Asia. Without that touch of good fortune and only having to play Bahrain rather than Uruguay, as Australia had to do in 2001 and 2005, New Zealand wouldn't even be embarking on their second campaign.

That said, they will still be there come kick off, and beating them will not come easily for any of their opponents.

Last years Confederations Cup performance was poor, picking up only a solitary point against Iraq. They did not even score a goal, conceding seven in the process. Recent friendly performances have suggested their may be renewed focus and discipline, which will be needed if Ricki Herbert's team are to even score a goal in South Africa this year.

Last weeks defeat of Serbia in Austria will provide ideal confidence leading into the game with Slovakia. 

WORLD CUP HISTORY

The All Whites have qualified just once before, in 1982, but lost all three games heavily to Brazil, Scotland and the USSR.

SCHEDULE

Slovakia       June 15th- Rustenburg

Italy            June 20th- Nelspruit

Paraguay      June 24th- Polokwane

New Zealanders will be relieved with the group they have acquired. They will certainly recognize that it will be a tough campaign but there is no opposition to be scared of among the trio.

New Zealand faced Italy a year ago before the Confederations Cup and the minnows were only narrowly beaten 4-3. The relative inexperience of Slovakia will offer the players hope and Paraguay is probably the least intimidating and most predictable of the South American countries on show.

If Herbert does his homework then the odd point may be achieved.

KEY PLAYERS

Ryan Nelson of Blackburn Rovers is a long time stalwart of the Premier League and will play a major role in keeping his backline organized and focused. The captain will be at the centre of any success his team have.

Beyond him, pickings are slim. Shane Schmeltz scored the winning goal against Serbia and has a decent record of 16 goals in 29 games. Those 29 games have been spread across the last seven years however.

Rory Fallon of Plymouth Argyle scored the winning goal with his head to get the All Whites past Bahrain and into the World Cup.  

ONE TO WATCH— Ryan Nelson

The ball will be in his area most of the time.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO...

Winning a game would raise the profile of the game back home and would be an outstanding achievement for such a country, as football is way down the pecking order.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO...

No goals, three defeats and all the while, conceding many goals. Last year their opening game was a 5-0 reverse to Spain, the same can't happen again.

PREDICTION

Unfortunately for the All Whites, the worst-case scenario may become a reality by the time June 24th comes around. They will surely finish at rock bottom of Group F and avoiding three defeats will be a minor miracle.