By TERRY MADDAFORD
The dramatic win over Australia has assured the future of All Whites coach Mick Waitt, but for his vanquished Australian counterpart Frank Farina it is all up in the air.
Farina was quick to defend his players last night, but was not mincing words in attacking Soccer Australia bosses.
"We [as a country] took this tournament too lightly - and I'm not talking about the players. As an organisation we have to look where we are going."
The trip to New Zealand was not confirmed until 12 days before kick-off and Australia were without senior players who refused to pay their own way back from Europe.
"This tournament is not just about the money but about who you get to play if you win. I'm very disappointed," Farina said.
While cash-strapped Soccer Australia contemplate what might have been, New Zealand Soccer bosses were beaming.
"It's hard to put into words what I feel," Waitt said. "I don't think we played well for the first 25 minutes, but towards the end of the first half I sensed they [Australia] were beginning to tire.
"To go on and win is huge for New Zealand soccer ... On the day, the better side won.
"Playing for New Zealand means a lot for these players. There are no match fees, no bonuses. They just want to play for New Zealand."
Captain Chris Zoricich played the last few minutes with a broken nose after colliding with goalkeeper James Bannatyne.
"It's fantastic," he said. "I always knew if we could keep them out, we would pinch it."
Soccer: Delight for Waitt, despair for Farina
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