Absence will make All Whites’ heart grow fonder
0The New Zealand national football team came within touching distance of reaching another World Cup in 2022, only to see those dreams dashed as a dangling carrot was cruelly snatched from their grasp. An untimely slip ended up costing the All Whites dear, meaning that they will be left watching on from afar when a global gathering heads to Qatar.
A sense of disappointment will take a while to shake, with it understandably devastating to see a four-year cycle of hard work ultimately count for nothing. When you get so close to hitting an ultimate goal, falling short will always sting.
No bid for ultimate glory was, with fierce patriotism put to one side, ever going to be staged in the Middle East, with others better placed to compete for the grandest of prizes. Five-time winners Brazil are the current favourites, closely followed by France and Spain in the betting markets.
With the World Cup being the most prestigious tournament in world football, the whole world’s attention will be on it, and unsurprisingly the major bookmakers are tailoring offers around it. Numerous sites are compiling these together so bettors looking for sports betting online offers can find everything they need to know before making a decision. The information available includes the range of betting options, the customer support available and any other relevant features available on the site among other areas.
Absolutely gutted. pic.twitter.com/SSAwsJsV5A
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 14, 2022
New Zealanders would have liked nothing more than to embrace an opportunity to back Danny Hay’s side on the most prestigious of stages, with pride and passion aplenty ready to be displayed on and off the field. Unfortunately, those plans will have to be put on hold as a much bigger picture takes centre stage.
Plan for the future
With competitive action set to be off the agenda in November and December, the All Whites can start to build more long term than short. No travelling party has to be pieced together, with mid-season breaks set to be enjoyed by those currently plying their trade in Europe.
That may be no bad thing as emotions begin to be reined in once more. As frustration is shaken from the system, desire and ambition should build once more.
New Zealand proved back in 2010, during one of only two appearances at the World Cup finals to date, that they can be more than a match for the very best in the business. Three outings then may have delivered no victories, but no defeats were suffered either as a plucky group of underdogs held its own and finished the group stage perched above defending champions Italy.
The intention had been to make history in 2022, with a first win when rubbing shoulders with the elite still waiting to be etched into the record books. A pen has been put back down for now, but there is every reason to believe that it will be picked back up.
Costa Rica will join Spain, Germany and Japan in Group E!
The team that will top the group is _________ 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bloG441wXI
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2022
One goal from Joel Campbell and a red card for Kosta Barbarouses back in June ensured that it would be Costa Rica booking tickets for Qatar and New Zealand ringing around family and friends putting revised plans in place for Christmas.
The All Whites have shown, though, that they remain serious contenders for World Cup berths and absence this time around should serve to make the heart grow fonder as collective sights start to drift towards the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.