The All Whites received a rapturous welcome from fans when they first arrived back in New Zealand. Photo / Steven McNicholl
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Thousands of All Whites soccer fans lined the streets of Wellington today to cheer on their football World Cup heroes as they paraded from Parliament to Civic Square.
Floats carrying musicians, dancers, the visiting Argentinian team Boca Juniors, and the Wellington Phoenix kept onlookers entertained until the final float emerged
carrying the All Whites and coach Ricki Herbert.
Speaking at the parade's end, Prime Minister John Key saluted the All Whites' efforts in getting to the World Cup and their unprecedented success at the tournament.
"You made every New Zealander be incredibly proud of your performance in South Africa, and it's great to have you here and to celebrate your success."
Mr Key said he was grateful for the opportunity to get to know the players while he was in South Africa.
"This is the most humble bunch of guys you will ever meet. They play as a team, they care about each other, they support each other through thick and thin, and they don't have an ego amongst any of them," he said.
"On behalf of the people of New Zealand, thank you for putting us on the international stage, making us rub our eyes at two in the morning as we watched those TV sets and going 'way to go All Whites, you're the champs'."
Herbert, who is also the Phoenix coach, once again praised his team's efforts.
"I take my hat off to them, they've been extremely dedicated, loyal to the cause," he said.
The hundreds of young children, as well as a generous scattering of school uniforms, in the crowd suggested many had taken a few hours out from school to catch a glimpse of the soccer stars.
Among those was a group from Thorndon School, who came armed with a vuvuzela to bring back memories of the tournament.
Teacher Meta Beyers said many of the children had followed the All Whites' progress at the World Cup and most of the school was at the parade.
Linda Monk, of Whitby, brought her eight-year-old son Jordan and his friend Ben Waine, nine, into town to support the team.
"I think it's really important. Who knows when we're going to be in the World Cup again?"
Jordan and Ben, kitted out in a Phoenix and All Whites top respectively, said they were hoping to see goalkeeper Mark Paston.
Sonja Fry, a member of Brooklyn Northern Women's Football Team who made headlines after constructing a grandstand in a garage and taking time off work to follow the World Cup, was among the supporters.
Ms Fry, 33, ran along the parade route clad in All Whites gear and said her teammates were also in the crowd.
"We're all fanatics," she said.
"We're all scattered 'cause we're working, there's four of us definitely but I'm sure all of us will be out here."
- NZPA
