If you were to say, 4 years ago, that the All Whites would make it into the 2010 draw and face off against current world champions Italy and pull off a win, I am sure you would have heard nothing but tears of laughter from individuals.

But here we are in 2010 and did exactly that. We held off the current world champions in a pool play match and not only did we help force them to the bottom of our pool, but also out of the running to retain their title.

This world cup, and in particular the All Whites reminded me of the movie ‘Cool Runnings’, the film about the Jamaican Bobsled team. Who’d ever heard of a Jamaican bobsled team? But more to the point a Jamaican Bobsled team qualifying for the Winter Olympics??

This concept behind the film goes on to show how through determination, hard work persistence and keeping your head held high anything is achievable, no matter who looks down their nose at you. It also goes on to show how changing the mindset of a few people can have far reaching positive effects.

I would imagine these concepts were displayed in this 2010 world cup. Other nations displayed the “Who are the All Whites”, “They don’t stand a chance”…… cards. Then as soon as we entered those stadiums and played competitive, Grade A, honest and quality football, mindsets started changing, heads were turning. Who were these ‘All Whites’ and where did they come from………

…..New Zealand. The little nation that could!

For too long has the size of a nation dictated the impact it had. Well not this time! Our small nation of 4 million supporting our 15 players while they represented us at the top level of Football was amazing! Not only did the bulk of New Zealand get behind the team through conventional mediums but also new media initiatives (through such communication channels as Twitter and Facebook) but also the All Whites were headlining international newspapers and news broadcasts!

Unfortunately last night the All Whites needed a ‘win’ to push through to the next round, alas it was not meant to be. We drew nil all at full time.

You can sugar coat it any way you want, by saying we were ‘undefeated’, but at the end of the day, at the core of this is a dedicated team who played some fantastic football and had a nation of supporters behind them. These supporters were probably not just people from New Zealand, but also other nations who wanted to see New Zealand succeed!

Singularly the All Whites may not have made it through, but as a nation, together, we have succeeded in showing the world who we are. Whats important is that we all came together for a single cause.

Look at what we achieved this time, the All Whites, NZ as a nation. Who knows… could be the All Whites facing off in the final in 4 years time.

I am proud to be a kiwi and I think that’s something we all have something to be proud of.

All white, back to it.

Ben
twitter: @bensmithnz