-
Mark Paston makes THAT save for the All Whites - Source: Photosport -
Related
All Whites defender Tony Lochead was anticipating years of recurring nightmares.
In the moments after he gave away the now infamous penalty on Saturday night, the 27-year-old was the loneliest man in the ground.
"I was just hoping and praying there was something I could do to rectify the moment. It is pretty gut wrenching you know - four years to get there and I could have cost us the game on one mistake" he told tvnz.co.nz.
"We were at home and it was the storybook - we've up 1-0 , a sell out crowd and I've gone and given up a penalty that could have cost us the millions of dollars into the federation and all of the hard work that has been done."
So to say Lochead was happy to see Mark Paston make his soon to be legendary save would be the understatement of the year.
"My heart was in my throat but Pasty has come through and saved my skin.
"I was celebrating as if I had scored a goal. I remember me and Ivan [Vicelich] jumping up and down.
"Maybe I should have gone and brought a lotto ticket. I was pretty lucky.
Vivid memories
Not surprisingly, the Phoenix stalwart has vivid memories of the moments leading up to that fateful tackle.
"The guy got in behind me and the ball was played through. I thought I had done enough to get there [so] I put my leg out to get the ball. I thought I was in front of him but he managed to get in front of me.
"As soon as I made contact and he went down and my worst fears came true.
Defenders in football trip a fine line between heroes and villains and Lochead admitted, in hindsight, that the tackle was rash.
"It was one of those split second things where if I look back now maybe I would have left him because I think Ryan [Nelsen] was coming across to close him down."
Paston's save ensured the All Whites held their precious 1-0 lead but there was still over 40 minutes to hang on.
It was agony for the sellout crowd and the players were feeling the tension as well.
"I caught myself watching the clock a couple of times. There was 20 minutes to go and all of a sudden there was only 18.
"I said to myself I need to stop watching this clock and keep my eye on the game."
"All of a sudden it was just about over. There was three minutes extra time and then the referee came over and grabbed the ball off Pasty.
"It was all done and dusted - we were off to the World Cup."
Fantastic atmosphere
Days after the match Lochead was still in awe of the fantastic atmosphere generated by the record crowd.
"It was electric and it is hard to prepare yourself for that. Everyone dressed in white - it was quite a sight to see and [the] chanting and noise was deafening."
Media love to talk about the 12th man, but what is the players perspective?
"It's like you have someone there right behind you helping you along.
"The noise that they make when you do a good tackle and make a good pass - it gives you that boost of energy when you need it.
"When we were battling there in the second half they really got behind us. It is an experience I will remember for a long time."
And he echoed the words of many of his teammates in paying the ultimate compliment to the fans.
"That was what we wanted. The sellout was going to get us there and I think they did."
Lochead was also quick to laud the role played by Captain fantastic Ryan Nelsen.
"What he has done in the sport is pretty amazing and he just commands respect off everybody.
"He will go and do anything on the field to get it done and so he inspires you. Him being out there and knowing he is on your team is pretty awesome."
And Lochead told tvnz.co.nz he is enjoying the plaudits after the team's historic match.
"It is nice to have people coming up to the football people for a change - it is a special moment and I will enjoy it for a while."
But he admits the debt of gratitude to team mate and friend Paston may last for good wee while.
"I think I owe him a little bit more than everyone else.
"I think I might be in trouble for a few years until someone else gets to the World Cup."
