Here I am, not knowing one end of a football from the other (though I do know they’re round and therefore don’t have ends), writing a third post on the World Cup.
The All Whites went to South Africa as underdogs and return with three draws. They didn’t lose a game and while they didn’t win any either, they finished ahead of last year’s champions and they won lots of hearts in doing so.
They did this because they defied expectations though, Cactus Kate is right that they were so close but nowhere near:
Anyone who thinks this is New Zealand’s greatest sporting achievement is either a soccer fanatic or clearly knows nothing about sports. Sure it was the heart-warming Disney moment in New Zealand sports in living memory, but the result is tomorrow they fly home.
The All Blacks can only wish they could get away with three draws in their World Cup and have acceptance from the nation.
But this wasn’t the All Blacks, Black Caps, the Silver Ferns or Black Ferns, our rowers, runners, sailors or even Black Sticks any or all of whom we expect – sometimes even demand – to win some of the time.
No-one expected the All Whites to win and few would have been surprised if they’d lost every game. They didn’t, they drew them, surpassing expectations, and in doing so they did a lot – for themselves, the team and the sport.
Lindsay Mitchell finds plenty to celebrate.
Keeping Stock has a song for the All Whites and says it was great while it lasted.
Adolf at No Minister says they are out but not down.
Monkeywith typewriter says well done All Whites.
Not PC thinks it was a great result.
And PM of NZ is underwhlemed and looking forward to a return to normality.
Update: Kiwiblog notes we never lost a game.
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