As the last flashbulbs fizzed in the stands and the last shots of Bono slithered across the world’s TV screens, gold confetti swirled, Sepp Blatter purred, and the Spanish players posed around the trophy. But a continent away, there was another team with something to celebrate. Tiny, unheralded New Zealand, one of the pre-tournament favorites for the title of worst side in the field, dumped out of the group stage after fighting for three gritty draws, finished as the World Cup’s only unbeaten team. Let there be dancing in Auckland and drinking in Hobbiton. For the last shall be first, I’m tempted to say—although as far as the Spain-Netherlands game is concerned, thankfully the last was just last.
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by Brian Phillips · July 12, 2010
As one who has had 2 of the NZ squad play for my city’s team, I’m proud of Leo Bertos and exasperated that Jeremy Christie played in a World Cup.
I think that, however, the US would stake a claim to have been undefeated in normal time Brian, if we want to become very technical.
@t’OM True! But sadly, “undefeated in normal time” and “undefeated” aren’t exactly the same thing.
By that metric, Netherlands were undefeated in normal time, as well.
Cudos to the kiwis for their performance. I personally had them down next to North Korea as the tournaments prügelknabe.
Speaking of German words, I can’t remember the last time I felt so much schadenfreude in such a short amount of time. From Italy & France crashing out early to the mauling of the English at the hands of Germany, and those pesky Ghanaians being knocked out by the hand of Suarez. And then there’s the whole Dirtbag Van Bommel not winning it all thing. I quite enjoyed that.
@Brian Phillips I’m aware of that, and disappointed you didn’t take the bait about Jeremy Christie. I’m wondering if there are any Tampa Bay fans who are willing to correct me, however he was woeful in a particularly woeful Perth Glory side?
So that means that mighty Fiji are the only team to have beaten New Zealand in this World Cup Cycle?