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Ryan Nelsen takes a moment to reflect - Source: Photosport -
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Moments after the New Zealand triumph on Saturday night, tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess spoke exclusively to captain Ryan Nelsen in the victorious dressing room.
The New Zealand captain sat next to Simon Elliot, taking a chance to quietly reflect on the magnitude of what had been achieved in the previous 90 minutes.
CLICK HERE to see the exclusive interview footage from inside the dressing room.
Defenders are often the unsung heroes in a football team but Nelsen's contribution was immense.
His positioning, poise, reading of play and general awareness was simply outstanding.
His mere presence lifted his team mates around him and brought the best out of fellow defenders Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund.
Nelsen made some crucial tackles and interceptions and along with Rory Fallon's goal and Mark Paston penalty save, was responsible for the other crucial play of the game.
His clearing header from almost under his own crossbar midway through the second half- with Paston stranded and the rest of his defenders all at sea and Bahraini strikers ready to pounce - was one of those match defining moments.
As we talked in the dressing room, Nelsen sat shirtless and chugged from a huge bottle of champagne.
The 32-year-old is a star of the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and as is often mentioned earns more than the entire All Black squad.
His achievements sometimes fly under the radar in this rugby obsessed land and while he is not the type to crave recognition you could sense the pride he felt in getting a chance to perform in his homeland.
"It's a dream come true. I am lucky enough to have done some pretty good things in the sport but I have never done it in front of the New Zealand fans."
"To do it in front of the New Zealand fans is the most special thing for me."
Sitting beside his team mates the muscular Nelsen definitely stands out.
His shoulders and chest are granite like and he needed every ounce of his strength on Saturday night.
Ricki Herbert and the squad will desperately hope the durable Nelsen can stay injury free for the reminder of the Premier League season and take his place in the World Cup in South Africa.
But for now, let's celebrate one amazing night and the ultimate leader of men.
Click here to watch the full replay of All Whites v Bahrain. PLEASE NOTE: Due to rights restrictions this is available to New Zealand viewers only.
What was your reaction to the momentous win? Leave your
reaction to the win below.
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Post new commentbobwilson said on 2009-11-15 @ 19:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Wow, what a result!! Great team performance. About time that football gets some coverage in this country - it's all rugby, rugby rugby! We should really get behind the team at www.allwhitesworldcup.co.nz
shazam said on 2009-11-15 @ 18:19 NZDT: Report abusive post
Epic. That's the only word that comes close to describing the match last night and the way the boys aquitted themselves. And a special mention for a man who was absolutely immense: Ivan Vicelich. Superb, boys, absolutely superb!
kiwiozman said on 2009-11-15 @ 03:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
bro, party time here in perth, WA. over the moon and im not much of a football supporter but always love my nationalteams! over the effin moon! beers on!!!!!!
cazba said on 2009-11-14 @ 23:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
yeah i was at the match and the atmosphere was so good!!!
nanaonly said on 2009-11-14 @ 22:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Congratulations Boys. Well done!!!!!!