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Chris Killen - Source: Photosport -
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tvnz.co.nz gives a player-by-player breakdown of the All Whites heroes from Saturday night's match against Bahrain.
Mark Paston - 9
Commanded his area well all night and engendered confidence in his
backline. Two crucial saves in the first half before earning
legendary status with that penalty stop.
Tony Lochead - 7.5
Worked hard all match and got forward well. Mistimed tackle to
give away penalty and was caught out of position occasionally. Very
solid.
Ivan Vicelich - 8
The reborn All White was a revelation. He showed great timing
in the tackle, lovely judgement and positioning along with accurate
passing out of defence. Made the extra effort to block a late goal
bound shot.
Ryan Nelsen - 10
All that you would expect from a player of his class, but great for
a New Zealand audience to see first hand. Constantly in the right
place at the right time and a rock for his team-mates. A headed
clearance from almost under his own crossbar was exceptional. A
born leader.
Ben Sigmund - 8
Early yellow card, and lucky to avoid a second soon after.
Showed better judgement from then on and did well in a challenging
role. Earned corner that led to goal with typical bullocking, heart
on the sleeve type run down the right flank.
Leo Bertos - 8.5
Coach Ricki Herbert's faith was justified. Did the job of a
right fullback while still causing headaches for Bahrain going
forward. Set piece delivery was below par but nailed the one that
counted for Fallon.
Michael McGlinchey - 8
A late call-up who really stamped his mark on the game. In the
mould of 1982 legend Keith 'Buzzer' Mackay, the 22-year-old gave an
energetic display in the middle of the park. Always an outlet for
his team-mates, generally passed well and has a promising
international future.
Tim Brown - 6.5
The experienced Brown was given a defensive holding role and
performed that well, especially in the last half hour when he made
some crucial tackles on the tiring Bahrainis. But his unwillingness
to receive the ball - or offer options - put his team-mates under
unnecessary pressure and often forced them to go back and lose
momentum. Limited impact on attack and failed to link with front
three.
Shane Smeltz - 7.5
Worked as a third midfielder when the All Whites were not in
possession and never stopped running on attack. Some neat touches
and nice turns in the Bahraini half and attracted a lot of
defenders. Failed to put away two clearcut chances - it didn't
matter on the night but will in South Africa.
Chris Killen - 8
Often isolated but showed all his experience to retain
possession and made some clever runs. His stinging left foot volley
which hit the crossbar in the first half lifted the team and the
fans. A constant threat in the air and was seen on several
occasions sprinting back to cover left fullback which showed real
dedication to the cause.
Rory Fallon - 9
The man of the moment. Scored one, and denied by a brilliant
save for a second. Frustrated by the whistle-happy referee early
on, he adjusted his game and was a constant headache for the
Bahrainis in the second half. Showed a nice touch for a big man and
with a little more poise could have had a hat-trick.
Andy Barron 7
Did his job when he came on for McGinchley and looked at ease,
despite the huge step up from the NZFC. Defended stoutly and used
possession well when required.
Chris Brown 7
Made the most of his limited time on the park. Helped with the
rearguard effort while also happy to take on the Bahrain defence by
himself. Seems to be quite fearless, is a great prospect and look
for him to make an impact in next year's World Cup.
Judge the All Whites performance for yourself here on
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