All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas admits there were some mixed emotions in the home dressing room following last night's scoreless draw with Peru in their intercontinental playoff in Wellington.
Chances were few a far between in the capital, with NZ having keeper Stefan Marinovic pull off a goal line clearance early in the first half, while Thomas went close with a vicious drive late on.
It means neither side holds an advantage heading into Thursday's second leg in Lima, but Thomas couldn't help but reflect on what could have been, especially late on when Burnley striker Chris Wood got on the pitch.
The West Ham defender admits the fitness of Chris Wood could determine their hopes of progressing to Russia 2018. (Source: Other)
"At the end of the day we should have scored, we had them under the pump in the last 15 minutes so, it’s a bit of mixed emotions in the dressing room. But it’s a positive, we can work on that going to Peru."
Wood was involved in the lead up to Thomas' chance, which just missed Pedro Gallese's upright.
"I hit it well, I was a bit annoyed it skimmed the post," Thomas, who plays for Dutch side PEC Zwolle, said.
"Obviously scoring that goal would have changed the complexion of the game, and over the two legs.
After a scoreless draw in Wellington, it's all to play for in Lima this Thursday. (Source: Other)
"It was unlucky that it didn’t go in, but that stuff happens."
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