Michael Burgess: The start of something special

Bill Tuiloma gave the most assured performance of his international career against Korea Republic. Photo / Getty

No one knows where or when this current All Whites journey will end, but it feels like something a bit special started last night.

Given the situation and the context, the New Zealand side produced a memorable display in their 1-0 defeat against Korea Republic, one that gives great heart for the future.

In front of more than 33,000 fans at Seoul's World Cup Stadium, a young All Whites team gave a performance of tremendous skill and courage.

Sure, it was only a friendly and Korea used the opportunity to try out almost their entire squad. And certainly, the New Zealanders were lucky that the home side had an off night in front of goal, failing to hit the target from several gilt edged opportunities.

But it was a willing encounter and the Korean team had plenty to play for, especially as the match doubled as an emotional farewell for 2002 World Cup hero Cha Duri. And from that perspective the All Whites delivered the kind of performance that coach Anthony Hudson has been promising.

And remember - partly due to injuries and partly by design, this was an very raw New Zealand team. They had just over 100 caps between them while Korea, full for seasoned European based performers, could boast more than 350.

From 18-year-old Clayton Lewis - who was playing club football on the same team as his father less than a year ago - to new Greek recruit Themistoklis Tzimpoulos, who only met his new team-mates last Tuesday, it was an impressive display.

In the first half especially, they matched Korea stride for stride. The sight of a New Zealand team willing and able to play through the midfield against top quality opposition and completing triangles deep in the opponents half has been a rare one in recent years.

Bill Tuiloma gave the most assured performance of his short international career while fellow 20-year-old Deklan Wynne continues to turn heads with his displays. Marco Rojas showed some signs that he is edging back to the form of a few years ago - with some twists and tricks that had the Korean crowd gasping in appreciation - and Chris Wood caused plenty of problems as the lone striker up front.

The pressing strategy didn't always work, as at times the All Whites pressed very high only for Korea to escape the trap and break away dangerously. But it was pleasing to see a New Zealand national team put in such a proactive display, rather than be defensively passive.

*Michael Burgess travelled to Korea with assistance from ASB Bank, the principal partner of New Zealand Football.