Football World Cup: NZ Football must change for international success - Kevin Fallon

  • 16/07/2018

After watching Croatia play in the Football World Cup final, former All Whites coach Kevin Fallon thinks there is no excuse why New Zealand can't make a name for itself on the biggest stage.

Croatia lost to France 4-2 in Monday mornings (NZ time) in their first final as an independent nation.

The population of Croatia is 4.1 million - one of the smallest countries in terms of population to compete at the world tournament.

Iceland became the smallest nation by population to ever clinch a spot at a World Cup this year, with a population about 300,000.

Fallon knows if the All Whites - or even the Football Ferns - want to be like these other small nations dominating on the world stage, then New Zealand Football has to change its attitude.

Speaking to The AM Show, he said there has to be a positive mindset within both national teams for international success.

"Today, Croatia is in the final with 4.1 million people, and it is about time we got off our backsides and starting thinking positive about going every four years," he told Tthe AM Show.

Football World Cup: NZ Football must change for international success - Kevin Fallon

"Attitude and culture has to change first. You have to start thinking you can do it.

"We are getting better, but we need to have a positive mindset. We know we are up against it."

Thirty-two nations contested the 2018 World Cup, but that will increase to 48 for 2026, with one guaranteed Oceania qualifier spot.

Once that happens around, the All Whites won't have any excuses for missing out.

"Lots of our players are playing overseas, and in the old times, we had part-timers who would play for North Shore or Gisborne City.

"We know the problems that we are a long way from Europe, but now we have people playing for professional clubs all over the world.

"When it goes up to 48 teams, then we should be there all the time, because we will always [qualify] in Oceania."

Newshub.