Ben Sigmund had a simple message after the All Whites' brave, scoreless draw with Iraq at Ellis Park Stadium.
"Siggy is back'," he proclaimed after a gutsy first game at the Confederations Cup. Few, knowing the passion and determination he brings to any match he plays, doubted he could returnto the form which has won him plaudits with both the national side and the Wellington Phoenix.
Sidelined since the end of the A-League season after he underwent hip surgery, Sigmund yesterday returned to the international fold.
"It was awesome but after about 60 minutes I ran out of gas," he said. "At halftime I thought I might go the distance but in the end I started to cramp. But I was happy to get to 70."
Aaron Scott, given a start ahead of David Mulligan at right back, responded to the challenge with an assured effort.
Simon Elliott, again the oldest player on the park, was outstanding - along with Glen Moss and Ivan Vicelich, the most consistent of the All White players here.
Moss laughed off his late heroics when he headed clear a shot from Karrar Jasim which could have proved the game-breaker.
"I was a little embarrassed, to be honest. I was hoping it was not seen but in a stadium like this with so many cameras you quickly realise there is no hiding," said Moss. "It turned out to be one of the most crucial saves I made. If it hits me on the head and stays out, I'll take it."
Coach Ricki Herbert said: "It can't be better. We have never done this before [getting a point at a senior Fifa tournament]. I think we proved a few doubters wrong."
