Playoff payday could net NZF $3m
If anyone needed another reminder of Chris Wood’s value and standing in the All Whites, it was best illustrated in the lead-up to New Zealand’s fifth goal on Friday night.
Wood grabbed three superbly taken goals in the 6-1 win over the Solomon Islands, all but ensuring New Zealand’s passage to the final phase of their World Cup qualifying path.
His rare triple will grab the headlines but his selfless contribution to another goal epitomised Wood’s team focus.
In the 80th minute, the Burnley striker was dragged down on the edge of the penalty area, earning a free kick.
After scoring two first-half chances, he had been denied on several other occasions. This was his moment. As captain, main striker, on a hat-trick and having been the recipient of the foul, it was Wood’s free kick.
But he allowed himself to be persuaded — eventually — by Michael McGlinchey, putting the team’s desire for a goal ahead of possible personal glory.
“He’s had a free kick just before, Woodsy, and I said to him ‘I think this is maybe more my range, a bit closer in’,” said McGlinchey. “He said ‘nah, I’m on a hat-trick, I’m having it’. I said, ‘look, let me have it’ and he said ‘ah, OK’ and I put it in the top bin.”
McGlinchey’s shot was near perfect, essentially killing off the tie.
“I knew I was under pressure because he was [saying] ‘I’m on a hat-trick’ [and] standing over the ball. [But] we had that discussion and he let me have it.”
The 25-year-old also grabbed another slice of New Zealand football history on Friday night, moving up to third on the all-time scorers’ list for the All Whites, past a couple of legendary names.
Wood (23 goals) trails only Shane Smeltz (24) and Vaughan Coveny (29), after going past the late Steve Sumner (20) with his first and Brian Turner (21) with his delightfully chipped second.
“I’m sure when I finish playing [that] will mean a lot more but for now, it’s not The emphatic win over the Solomon Islands on Friday night could be worth up to $3 million to New Zealand Football.
With the second leg in Honiara still to come on Tuesday, the 6-1 victory has all but assured the All Whites passage to the final phase of World Cup qualifying in November, when the Oceania winner will face the fifthplaced South American side.
That’s when the cash registers will start ringing, as the television rights for the games could be eye watering.
Argentina occupy fifth spot in the South American conference, and the prospect of the world’s No 3 team, with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero et al, coming to this country is daunting for Anthony Hudson and his brains trust. But it would be a godsend for NZF’s finances, as the broadcasting deal could be worth well in excess of $2 million.
It’s unlikely the La Albiceleste will remain fifth, as two of their final three games are winnable fixtures at home. But a visit to New Zealand by other contenders Chile, Peru or Colombia, with their huge footballing economies, would also bring a rich dividend.
Of the other possible opponents, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay would deliver a reduced fee, due to their smaller respective populations, but one still believed to be well into seven figures.
Gate takings will also deliver a boost to NZF’s coffers. The first leg in Wellington is almost certain to sell out — not just because of what’s at stake, but also due to memories of the 2009 clash with Bahrain, one of the best live sporting occasions in New Zealand this century.
NZF are yet to finalise details of the Wellington leg but it’s understood that a Saturday evening match on November 11 is the most likely scenario. There is a lot to weigh up, especially with the complexities of getting from the capital to South America and the need for some recovery time.
The second leg is set down for Tuesday, November 14, which will be Wednesday in New Zealand.
There has been a push in some quarters for the home match to be staged on Friday, November 10, but that is less likely.
That’s because of concerns it would compromise preparations for the first leg too much, especially for the All Whites returning from the Northern Hemisphere.