Fallon hangs up his boots for good

Rory Fallon never set out to be Diego Maradona. His dream was just to make it as a professional and to play at the World Cup.

‘‘That was my first and foremost goal, to be a professional and make a living out of it for as long as possible, and I’ve achieved that, and going to a World Cup was icing on the cake,’’ he told Stuff earlier this year.

So, although his club career never reached any spectacular heights, carving out 149 appearances with Plymouth Argyle the most memorable spell, the 35-yearold can hang up his boots satisfied with his contribution to the beautiful game, particularly here in New Zealand where he will forever be remembered for scoring that goal.

That goal, of course, being the goal that qualified the All Whites to the 2010 World Cup. Fallon rose at a corner-kick, whipped in by Leo Bertos, to head New Zealand in front against Bahrain, in their World Cup qualifier eight years ago.

The All Whites held on to win the game 1-0, with his first half goal and Mark Paston’s second half penalty save the two decisive moments.

‘‘It was a wonderful moment for him as an individual and obviously a massive contribution in that it propelled the team into a World Cup campaign,’’ former coach Ricki Herbert said.

‘‘I think with his mum and dad in the stadium as well, for him personally it was a massive highlight. He was an integral part of the team and an integral part of getting the team to the World Cup.’’

Fallon announced his retirement yesterday, after New Zealand’s latest quest to reach the World Cup failed at the final hurdle, losing 2-0 on aggregate to Peru.

‘‘It would have been amazing to have reached another World Cup in Russia, but Peru were the better team on the final leg in Lima,’’ he said.

‘‘The football journey has been epic and I thank everybody that has shared it with me. I’ve made many great memories and friends.’’

After representing England at age-group level, Fallon made his debut for the All Whites against Jordan in 2009. He scored on debut.

The son of former All Whites coach Kevin Fallon, he went on to represent New Zealand in 24 internationals, scoring six goals. Of those, none were more important than the header against Bahrain.

‘‘The commitment and time and everything that a huge amount of people put into their lives in sport, I think there’s always something pinnacle in that career, whatever that may be, that they will fondly remember,’’ Herbert said.

‘‘I’m sure for Rory that will be something that is always played on TV and is talked about on radio, and rightly so. It was an amazing goal and an amazing opportunity for a country to go back to a World Cup.’’

Away from the field, Herbert described Fallon as positive, humble, dedicated and a team player.

‘‘From a management point of view it’s important when the players have their own space and time, which they do, that there’s going to be influential people like Rory around that group.’’