The All Whites will hope to replicate what they did nearly
four years ago and in the same venue after Wellington was
announced today as the host for November’s World Cup playoff.

Ricki Herbert’s side will take on the fourth-best nation from
North and Central America in a home-and-away playoff for a
place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Westpac Stadium was the venue for the All Whites’ famous 1-0
win over Bahrain in November, 2009 which saw them qualify for
the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Herbert was thrilled that the game would take place in
Wellington and urged the fans to get behind the team once
again and help the players reach Brazil 2014.

“The Bahrain game was a special occasion and a big part of
that result was the atmosphere and support of the fans at the
game,” he said in a statement.

“The crowd really were the 12th man for that game and we
wouldn’t have won that game without them. We need that
support again.”

Wellington City Council sports portfolio leader John Morrison
advised fans to book early.

“The full-house signs will be out again for this match – and
anyone who was at the Bahrain game will remember the noise
was deafening as the fans urged the All Whites to the win
that took them to South Africa.

“Now’s our chance to send them on their way to Brazil.”

New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum said the bids
from Wellington and Auckland were extremely close.

“The two bids from Auckland and Wellington were exceptional
in what they offered and the final decision as to the host
city was very close. I’d like to thank Auckland for their
outstanding bid,” he said.

“Wellington will be a great host for what promises to be
another special night for New Zealand football.

“The atmosphere for the game against Bahrain was incredible
and I know that not only Wellington but all of New Zealand
will get behind the All Whites to create another memorable
night that fans will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The All Whites most-capped player and NZPFA board member Ivan
Vicelich said the players were delighted with the decision.

“Wellington holds great memories for the players and fans who
witnessed something very special v Bahrain in 2009. We’re
focused and determined to replicate that performance in
November,” he said.

With four qualifying games to play in the North and Central
American region, Honduras are in fourth, although Panama are
only one point below them.