New Zealand claimed a spot at next year's FIFA World Cup finals with a pulsating win over Bahrain today in the second leg of the Asia/Oceania play-off.
In front of a capacity crowd at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday night, New Zealand repeated the efforts of the national team of 1982.
The 35,194 fans, the largest crowd to watch a football match in New Zealand, made their presence felt with a continuous stream of noise and support that started well before the opening whistle and continued long after referee Jorge Larrionda blew for full-time.
Striker Rory Fallon powerfully headed home the only goal of the game from a corner in the 44th minute, while goalkeeper Mark Paston also saved a penalty to see the All Whites through to South Africa.
The All Whites held on for a 1-0 win on the night following the goalless draw in Manama on 10 October, to reach their second World Cup Finals.
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