ALL SPORTS…

The All Whites booked their place in next year’s football World Cup finals – and New Zealand sporting history – with a dramatic 1-0 win over Bahrain in Wellington last night. A passionate, sellout 35500 crowd at the Cake Tin saw Rory Fallon’s header and Mark Paston’s penalty save give Ricki Herbert’s team a spot at the world’s biggest sporting event for only the second time – and the first since 1982. The final whistle sparked scenes of incredible celebration as the capital got ready to party. Police and stewards had to hold back jubilant fans as the All Whites embarked on a lap of honour. Herbert, who played in the 1982 team, said his team had “given it everything, four years of total commitment”. “We did a little bit of homework and really pulled it out of the top drawer,” he said. ‘ “We thought we’d go through without conceding a goal, we thought one would do it. It’s just so emotional.” Fallon, whose father Kevin was an assistant coach during the 1982 campaign, gave a succinct summary of his all-important goal: “Them ones I don’t miss.” Paston said facing the penalty that would have ended All White hopes was “a bit surreal”. “I basically guessed which way and it ended up in my hands – it was great.” Team captain Ryan Nelsen, who plays for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League, paid tribute to the Wellington supporters. “I’ve played in some incredible atmospheres in my time but this is right up there. It’s been brilliant.” Prime Minister John Key was quick to …

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