Last strike: Smeltz chases fairytale finish
Is this the last we will see of Shane Smeltz in an All Whites jersey?
At 36, he is the oldest member of the current squad, and this, he admitted, will be his final chance to help New Zealand qualify for another World Cup.
So, as the first of two matches against Peru nears, Smeltz was soaking up the pre-game atmosphere as best he could.
‘‘It certainly adds to the occasion, knowing this is definitely or probably my last cycle. It would certainly be a fairytale to get to another World Cup,’’ the 58-cap striker said.
‘‘It’s just as exciting, the pressure, the intensity, as it was the first time, so I’m going to enjoy the week. It tends to build towards the game but everyone is looking forward to it.
‘‘This is the biggest week we’ve had in a long time, for everyone; the players, staff and the fans as well.
‘‘These games are what you play for. As we’ve all said before we’ve all prepared for years now. It’s time for action now.’’
Smeltz will become a free agent in the new year, having just finished up a one-year spell with Indonesian side Borneo. But he was giving little away as to what his future holds.
‘‘I haven’t thought beyond these two games. I’ve just wrapped up with my club. I’m contracted until the end of the year so it’s just full focus on these two games.’’
With 24 goals in 58 appearances, Smeltz will go down as one of New Zealand’s best goalscorers, with his goal against Italy at the 2010 World Cup the clear highlight.
Although he has scored just once in the past five years for the All Whites, Smeltz said he was still capable of producing another moment of magic.
‘‘If the opportunity comes my way, that’s why I’m here. Everyone is here to help out and pull their weight where they can.’’