Kiwis on the Brink of South Africa

In our first of a few previews looking ahead to the final week of World Cup qualification, we're taking a look at the second leg of the OFC-AFC playoff between Bahrain and New Zealand. The first leg finished level at 0-0 in Rifa, Bahrain. Ricki Herbert and the All Whites were able to secure a good away result and now sit just 90 minutes away from their first appearance in the World Cup since 1982. The return leg on November 14th will be played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, with a sellout crowd of 35,000 expected.

Because of the away goals rule, Bahrain can secure their first World Cup berth with either a win or a non-scoreless draw. If the match ends in a scoreless draw, though, extra time (and possibly penalties) would decide the winner of the tie. Just four years ago, it was another OFC side that moved on to the World Cup thanks to penalties, as Australia (now an AFC member) defeated Uruguay in dramatic fashion in front of their home fans. New Zealand will hoping for a similar fate, though Ricki Herbert and company would surely prefer to win without the heart stopping finish.

New Zealand are bringing back a full strength squad, with all 18 players from the first leg being called back for the final match. Ryan Nelsen will anchor the defense after it was determined that he does not have the H1N1 virus, which has affected 3 of his Blackburn teammates. Striker Rory Fallon will also be in the squad despite a minor calf injury. Bahrain, meanwhile, have not yet released their roster, but with no red cards in the opening leg, expect essentially the same roster from the visitors.

As for a prediction, we're going to say that New Zealand will win by a score of 1-0. The two sides are fairly even, but we think the home crowd will give the Kiwis the edge, helping to propel them to victory. The All Whites' draw with Iraq in the Confederations Cup gave them their first taste of international success, and they have taken the confidence gained from that experience forward, playing well in their last couple international matches. We expect them to continue their good run and book their place in South Africa.