Governor-General congratulates the All Whites on their World Cup campaign

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni.

It is with great pleasure that I send my congratulations to the New Zealand Football team competing in South Africa for their achievements in the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

Against all the odds, the All Whites, managed to hold some of the best teams in the world—Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay—to three consecutive draws and remain unbeaten.

Like many New Zealanders I stayed up and watched the game against Paraguay on television and hoped the All Whites might get the magical goal that would allow them to progress to the next round.

While the game was not won, the players and coaching team can return home with their heads held high. Contrary to the expectations of many international commentators, the All Whites showed that with a combination of determination, skill and fine leadership they could cut it with some of the best teams in the world.

The challenge now goes to New Zealand Football to build on the All Whites’ achievements and begin building towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

As Governor-General and Patron of New Zealand Football, I again congratulate coach Ricki Herbert, captain Ryan Nelsen and all the members of the All Whites squad.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.

Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
Patron of New Zealand Football

ENDS

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