Very few would have anticipated the performance the All Whites put on at Eden Park against Chile, as the Kiwis ended an eight-game winless streak and recording their first win over a South American side in 20 attempts.
The All Whites were a completely different team to the one that lost to Finland 2-0 three days prior, finally living and playing up to their potential.
Strong in all parts of the field, Finn Surman and Tyler Bindon were anchors at the back, rarely letting Chile through.
The most pleasing part, however, were the goals - the All Whites made their chances count, and you could even say they left one or two out there.
Albeit playing against a 10-man Chile side for most of the game, the 4-1 result is huge for confidence leading into to the World Cup, but not just for the players - the fans too.
In previous games against higher-ranked opposition the All Whites could compete, but rarely won. At Eden Park, in their send-off game before the World Cup, they did exactly that.
New Zealand turned on the style to claim a famous victory over South American opposition in their final home match before the World Cup. (Source: TVNZ)
“We haven’t scored lots of goals, it’s pretty common that, something we have been working on, so to come out of here with four goals and a few other chances is great,” coach Darren Bazeley said post-match.
The next time the All Whites assemble will be for June’s World Cup.
Bazeley still has the best part of six weeks to make a final decision as to who goes and who doesn’t.
Players are now back off to their clubs, which Bazeley will be keeping a close eye on.
No doubt every player selected for the last two games, whether they’re likely to go or not, will be pushing their case until the end of their respective seasons.
“I’d give anything to go," striker Kosta Barbarouses told 1News, having scored once against Chile and set up another.
"Hopefully I have done enough and I think that is a statement performance and we’ll see how we go from here."
“If I’m called upon then it will be extremely proud for myself and my family, I’m looking forward to it,” midfielder Elijah Just, who also got his name on the scoresheet, said.
With several senior players missing through injury – it gave a number of players one last opportunity to prove themselves and give Bazeley something to think about.
“The issues we have right now are people currently not fit, so we’re constantly monitoring everybody around the world, so hopefully some of those decisions will go our way and everybody will be fully fit,” Bazeley said.
The All Whites are scheduled kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 16, followed by matches against Egypt and Belgium.
The FIFA World Cup will be available to watch on TVNZ+, with New Zealand's matches among those being shown live and free.
SHARE ME