The All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen says winning their way to next year's football world cup in South Africa, in front of a home crowd has made achievement all the more special.
The All Whites one nil win over Bahrain in Wellington last night means a New Zealand side will compete at the event for the first time in almost 30 years.
Nelsen who plays for English premier league side Blackburn Rovers, says he's never experienced a major footballing achievement in front of a home crowd.
He says he's used to play at major venues like Old Trafford, and while he doesn't see the win as a career defining moment it's one he will always treasure.
