New Zealand beat Bahrain to qualify for World Cup

Wellington:  Rory Fallon headed in the lone goal in the 44th minute to give New Zealand a 1-0 win over Bahrain and a place its first World Cup berth in 27 years.

Fallon, an England youth international, headed Leo Bertos corner past Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Jafaar on Saturday for the only goal of the home-and-away qualifying series.

The first leg in Bahrain ended in a scoreless draw.

New Zealand keeper Mark Paston saved a Sayed Adnan penalty in the 50th minute to deny Bahrain its first ever trip to the finals.