Going against what this writer wanted, New Zealand became the 24th nation with a ticket for South Africa by beating Bahrain at home. The only goal of the match was scored by Rory Fallon in the final moments of the first-half. The first-leg of this playoff ended 0-0, which gave Bahrain the chance of qualifying with a draw different from the nil one. Bahrain had the chance of getting the 1-1 through a penalty in the beginning of the second-half. Sayed Mohamed took it, but keeper Mark Paston saved it, becoming the hero of the day. Bahrain one more time failed in the playoffs and Oceania will have a nation in the World Cup for the second time in a row (considering that Australia was Oceania in 06, but it is Asia now. Confusing, I know).

With New Zealand and Honduras in the same cup for the second time in history, it feels like it is 1982 again. Can we have Scotland, the Soviet Union and Tele Santana as well?

The last time New Zealand was in a cup, Zico gave them a lesson in football.

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2. Spain crushes New Zealand 5 – 0
3. The World Cup of Coaches