The All Whites have just received a great boost ahead of the World Cup where they’ll have to play against Chile, Slovakia, and Italy in their first three matches. This boost is not about the return of an injured player but about the downfall of Serbia which did happen through Shane Smeltz’s 22nd minute goal in New Zealand’s fantastic 1-0 victory on May 29.
The All Whites had lost to Mexico in March and to Australia on May 24, only for people to confirm New Zealand’s immense inexperience in the world of football. But now, some may reconsider their opinion about the All Whites. Coach Riki Herbert spoke over his side’s surprising victory to the media.
“It has always been about performance, for us. But a win like this over a top class nation like Serbia is a great bonus.”
Hero Shane Smeltz echoed Riki Herbert’s comments adding:
“We’ll take some confidence from it, obviously. But we won’t be getting carried away.”
New Zealand could capitalize on Slovenia’s lack of match fitness. The 2010 World Cup Group C contenders haven’t played a single game since March this year. Now this friendly match against the All Whites will also be their one and only warm-up fixture ahead of the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup.
