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The All Whites huddling - Source: Reuters -
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While All Whites coach Ricki Herbert was expressing satisfaction at his side's preparations, French sports daily L'Equipe has written New Zealand off.
In their latest edition, L'Equipe said: "If the All Whites score a goal, the whole country will be satisfied.
"If they take a point they will be received as heroes on their return.
"If they progress beyond the pool stage you will see a statue erected in Wellington.
"Unfortunately it is possible, that not even the first scenario will happen."
The All Whites are making just their second appearance at a World Cup finals and their main goal is to prove they are competitive, despite a world ranking of 78.
A recent 1-0 win over Serbia, a 2-1 loss to Australia and a 2-0 defeat by Slovenia in warm-up internationals have injected confidence they can perform well in a group that contains Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.
In their previous World Cup finals appearance in Spain in 1982 the All Whites were grouped with Brazil, the Soviet Union and Scotland and gave a good account of themselves, while losing all three matches. (The All Whites did score twice against Scotland - Watch highlights here watch hightlight here.)
The World Cup begins tonight in South Africa with the All
Whites playing their first group match againet Slovakia on Tuesday
night (11.30pm NZT).
2010 FIFA World Cup Opening ceremony Highlights - Saturday
12 June at 1am, followed by South Africa v Mexico LIVE on ONE kick
off at 2am
All Whites v Slovakia Tuesday 15 June at 11pm LIVE on ONE
