New Zealand's first World Cup in a generation was an unqualified success – now the nation’s football hierarchy needs to build on a golden 12 months.

New Zealand’s fairy tale continues after they hung on for an excellent 1-1 draw with world champion Italy at Nelspruit.

This World Cup looks like being a slow boiler but the competition has reached fever pitch in one forgotten corner of the football world.

New Zealand’s World Cup squad arrived in South Africa after a warm-up tour of mixed results but encouraging performances.