2010 FIFA World Cup: New Zealand's Landmark Effort Ends with Paraguay Draw

Three straight matches. Three straight draws. Three straight displays of heart and pride.

Ricki Herbert's New Zealand All Whites may not have won a match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but they did not concede a defeat either, and that deserves a standing ovation.

They finish better than the 2006 champions Italy in Group F with a scoreless draw against Paraguay to end their campaign with a performance that, without question, takes this year's side out of the shadow of 1982.

In fact, I don't believe that the 1982 All Whites would stand a chance against the 2010 All Whites.

Herbert's men have exhibited an uncanny determination, strong resilience, perseverance and heart.

New Zealand earned their first point in a 1-1 draw with Slovakia off a late 93rd minute goal by Winston Reid at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg.

They earned their second point off an early surprise goal by Shane Smeltz in the seventh minute against Italy to pull off the biggest result in their nation's football history at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

And even though they were unable to defeat Paraguay and their swingman, Roque Santa Cruz, their defense—led by goalkeeper Mark Paston—held firm in the scoreless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Land of the Long White Cloud must welcome back this blend of professionals and part-timers as sporting heroes, up there with those who have already made their mark.

They came to South Africa with nothing to lose, and they will be holding their heads high knowing that they will be among the few unbeatens by the competition's end.

And the development of soccer in New Zealand has to be strengthened by the All Whites' 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

We all know that rugby union and netball are the most popular sports for boys and girls, respectively, while soccer is second.

But there is no question that with the heroics of the All Whites, the participation rates for all age groups, and all skill levels must increase.

Everything must go up, up, up.

A young player can go out and say, "Hey, if they can hold the World Cup champs to a draw, I can do better and beat them."

Had the All Whites dropped any of their matches, it would not have as great an impact.

Had they won at least one of them, the impact would be stronger than it is now.

But mind you, it already is strong.

The seismic waves are beginning to be felt in Aotearoa: The All Whites have delivered the greatest World Cup performance in their nation's history.

No one expected them to even earn a single point.

Heck, no one expected them to finish better than Italy.

The doubters and detractors will be wise to give credit where it is due.

This was a World Cup that no one who bleeds All White—or New Zealand in particular—will ever forget.