1 Mar 2012

All Whites coach confident of World Cup success against Jamaica

7:43 am on 1 March 2012

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says he would be pretty confident if New Zealand squared up against Jamaica in an inter-continental football playoff in late 2013, after a 2-3 loss to the Caribbean side at Mt Smart Stadium last night.

Xavian Virgo scored for the visitors in the 39th minute, followed up by a Tramaine Stewart goal in the 53rd, but Chris Wood halved the deficit after nimble footwork by Marco Rojas.

Substitute Navian Boyd restored Jamaica's two goal cushion with 13 minutes to play but Chris Killen showed there's plenty of life left in his legs with an 88th minute header to set up a fairytale finish that just wouldn't come.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert who started seven players aged 25 or under, and drew some impressive performances from youngsters Wood, Rojas, Tommy Smith and Kosta Barbarouses was pleased with the depth and potential now at his disposal ahead of the start of FIFA World Cup qualifying in June.

When asked about confidence levels if New Zealand squared up against Jamaica in an inter-continental playoff in late 2013, Herbert was bullish.

All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen echoed his coach's sentiments about the All Whites chances should the two teams meet again in 18 months time.