Vicelich thrilled to lead New Zealand side

Dubai: The Auckland City FC skipper was thrilled at fulfilling and guiding the destiny of a sporting nation by qualifying for next year's Fifa World Cup to be held in South Africa.

"It's a dream come true not just for the players but for a whole country that otherwise is better known for rugby and cricket," Auckland FC captain Ivan Vicelich told Gulf News.

"Probably, there are millions and billions of children around the world who would have loved being in the situation that we are in at the moment by playing in a World Cup. They too dream about it, but here we are as a team representing New Zealand, all ready to play at the highest stage," Vicelich added.

Long wait

New Zealand, also known as the All Whites, qualified after a solitary goal win against Bahrain in the play-off between the Oceania and Asian winners last month. That victory, of which Vicelich was a part of, ensured New Zealand qualified to a World Cup after a long wait of 28 years, most probably due to the presence of neighbours Australia in the Oceania zone. However, the world governing body for football agreed on Australia's proposal a couple of years back that they be included in the Asian zone.

"It was hard work all the way. We've managed to put together a strong team over a period of time. We've worked hard during training and that in turn, has ensured that we've come through some very tough matches during the qualifying process," added the midfielder who has spent seven long years playing in The Netherlands before marking his return to his hometown.

Vicelich is pretty excited about the draw in South Africa as well. The All Whites have been placed in Group F along with defending world champions Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.

"Now that we've seen the draw the excitement is even more. Playing against the world champions will be a huge game for us. But every game will be tough," he said.