All Whites Make History

The All Whites have qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa beating Bahrain 1–nil at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Striker Rory Fallon, 27, scored the only goal of the game to help New Zealand qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982. Fallon, who plays for English Championship side Plymouth Argyle, scored the decisive goal just before the half-time break when he headed home from a Bertos corner. New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen paid tribute to the 35,194 fans – a record for a football match in the country – for their inspirational support at the match. “The crowd was incredible and I don’t know if we could have won it without them,” the Blackburn Rovers defender said. “They were our 12th man today and they got us home. I’ve played in some incredible atmospheres but this is right up there.” New Zealand Football could earn up to $10m just for qualifying for South Africa and that money will bankroll the development plans.