Football Job done — bring on next huge test

All Whites progress to inter-continental playoffs after draw with Solomon Islands

Bring on South America. The All Whites yesterday confirmed their spot in the 2018 World Cup Intercontinental playoffs in November, after a 2-2 draw with the Solomon Islands in Honiara saw them progress 8-3 on aggregate.

It means the New Zealand Football brains trust will monitor today’s round of South American matches closely, with the All Whites to face the fifth-placed Conmebol team for a spot at the 2018 World Cup.

Their opponent isn’t likely to be confirmed until the final match day in South America on October 11 (NZT), but today’s round could make things clearer.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are fifth but they are expected to progress up the ladder with home matches to come against Venezuela and Peru.

Depending how the cards fall, Chile or Colombia appear the most likely opponents, although Ecuador, Uruguay or Paraguay could also come into the mix.

The first leg will be played in Wellington on November 10 or 11, with the return match set for November 15 (NZT).

New Zealand will be massive underdogs to progress further, as South America is one of the hotbeds of world football, and whoever the All Whites face will be a massive test.

But they will back themselves to upset the odds, and coach Anthony Hudson has the advantage of a golden generation of talent at his disposal, led by Premier League stars Chris Wood and Winston Reid.

Whatever unfolds, it will be a huge occasion for football in this country, especially with the hype and anticipation around the first leg in the capital.