Glen Moss: Italy result silences critics

10:12 AM Tuesday Jun 22, 2010

Ryan Nelsen’s inspirational leadership has been the driving force behind the All Whites’ recent success. Photo / Brett Phibbs

22/6/2010
Serengeti golf and wildlife estate
Johannesburg, South Africa

Who would have thought the All Whites would be heading into their last group game with a chance of progressing? Who would have thought we'd be sitting equal second and who would have thought we'd draw with the world champions? The 23 players along with the coaching and support staff, that's who!

Heading into the tournament, football fans in New Zealand had to choke on their breakfasts while reading the negative rubbish written in certain media. "Be careful what you wish for" was one headline I was reminded of by a friend in Wellington today. Not surprisingly, the media are singing a different tune now. If anyone doubted the result against Slovakia was the country's greatest sporting moment, then the Italian result has certainly shut them up.

Ryan Nelsen said in his post match press conference that there was something special in this team. For me, it's that man himself. Nelly's leadership skills both off and on the field are so impressive I giggle when some of the younger players seem to get nervous around him. Without a natural born leader a team will never succeed and his pre-match talks have been truly inspirational. We always had the desire and hunger for success in South Africa, but his words an hour before kick-off solidified the belief within this group.

Those that questioned if New Zealand had the right to be at the World Cup, with only 25 professionals, now have an answer from thousands of All Whites fans.

We said we are not here just to compete and make up the numbers. Now, with that incredible support and fighting Kiwi spirit, we've proven that.

MOSSY

DC (Peru) | 12:51PM Tuesday, 22 Jun 2010

I´m from Peru and I think that the All Whites will eliminate the Italians and give the World Cup surprise. Because of last Italian matches I think that they can draw with Slovakia 0-0. And All Whites can pass group stage with only a 1-1 draw.

Rocket (New Zealand) | 12:51PM Tuesday, 22 Jun 2010

We are so proud of you guys! Best of luck against Paraguay, hope to see you in the last 16!

Tom English (New Zealand) | 01:19PM Tuesday, 22 Jun 2010

Loving your work Mossy, am a student in Dunedin and the World Cup has fallen in exam time, so many of the boys have been up in the middle of the night to watch you guys make us proud despite the detriment to their uni results (not a big deal compared to the Italy match) keep showing the World your determination and spirit I love reading how impressed the international press is after each game.