New Zealand head coach Ricki Herbert believes his players will overcome any first night nerves when they take on Slovakia.
Herbert prepares to make history
New Zealand head coach Ricki Herbert believes that his players will overcome any first night nerves as the All Whites prepare to make World Cup history when they take on Slovakia in Rustenburg on Tuesday.
The Oceania champions are only making their second appearance at the World Cup, having lost all three games in 1982 and are still looking for a first point in the tournament.
"There are a few nerves, a sense of anticipation," admitted Herbert.
"But that is not a bad thing. The players are very focused on what they have to do."
Herbert, who was part of the squad which played in Spain back in 1982, added: "It's been a long time, 28 years and it's good to be back.
"Spain is a distant memory but a fond one. The current generation of players has worked really hard to bring the nation back to a World Cup and we are looking forward to it as much as everyone back home."
New Zealand have an ageing but experienced squad and Herbert is expecting a tough test against a youthful Slovakia side at altitude in Rustenburg.
The All Whites had a mixed build-up to the World Cup, surprising Serbia but losing out to Mexico, Australia, Chile and Slovenia.
Buzzing
Captain Ryan Nelsen, who also skippers Blackburn, is itching to get going.
"There is only so much training and preparation work you can do. The country's buzzing and we just want to get started and be part of it," he said.
"I think we've proved over the last three or four games we are competitive.
"We know the brutal reality of the World Cup is that we can play really well and lose all the games but we are a good team and we are a competitive team, we have to win the game. It is as simple as that."
Nelsen also saluted the fans in New Zealand and has been somewhat surprised by the media coverage the squad have been getting.
"It's amazing for us. We have felt the support back in New Zealand," he said.
"We don't usually get this publicity and support. It's humbling and really exciting.
"We will be making sure we make every New Zealander proud of what we are going to try to do. That is one of our number one goals."
