Chris James had the world at his feet before it all went wrong - Friday's All Whites return marked a bright spot on a dark road.
The All Whites could face the nightmare scenario of a playoff with Mexico in November, after the latest round of World Cup qualification games yesterday saw the North American giants drop to fourth in the CONCACAF playoffs.
Costa Rican international Kenny Cunningham marked his debut with what coach Ernie Merrick, tongue-in-cheek, described as a wonder goal as Wellington Phoenix beat Sydney FC 3-0 in a pre-season game at Winter Field.
The forgotten man of New Zealand football, Chris Killen, has given a timely and spectacular reminder of his goalscoring abilities to send the All Whites through to the final of the OSN Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Kiwi teenager Ryan Thomas is being tipped for a long and successful professional career after signing a one-year deal with Dutch Eredivisie leaders PEC Zwolle.
Chris James never gave up on the World Cup dream.
Kevin Payne, the man who handed Ryan Nelsen his first job as a football manager, has been sacked as Toronto FC president and general manager and it seems a breakdown of relationship with Nelsen was behind the split.
Chris Milicich is "deeply disappointed" at his dumping as Junior All Whites coach and wants to meet the New Zealand Football board to make sure his successor gets better support.
For most football teams, a back four is a default defensive setting.
Former Fulham and Phoenix defender James Musa has signed with Team Wellington for the 2013-14 national league season.
All Whites will employ ice vests and ice baths to combat the searing Saudi Arabia heat when the OSN Cup kicks off on Friday.
Additional seating added for the All Whites FIFA World Cup Qualifier due to high public demand for tickets
With September having arrived, we’re now in the territory of saying, “next month” when it comes to talking about the new A-League season.
Darren Bazeley has been appointed as the head coach of the New Zealand U-20 men’s football team
Jamie Farrington and Mikey Halikias cut helpless figures on the Petone Memorial Park sidelines on Saturday.
Aaron Clapham is confident a stint in Sydney has steeled him for the Saudi Arabia heat this week.
The All Whites were already sweating on the fitness of Shane Smeltz and Marco Rojas and now Tim Payne could be in doubt for November's World Cup qualifiers after suffering a suspected snapped ankle ligament at the weekend.
It's become a burning question for New Zealand football fraternity - why have right-sided defenders become left right out?
Leo Bertos expects the All Whites' week in the Middle East to be punishing and somewhat experimental - but absolutely vital in the attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Marist coach Simon Lees will use the last two Federation League games to charge his and the team's batteries ahead of what he expects to be a scrap for a place in next season's Central League.
A lot of things hinge on the outcome of November's World Cup playoffs, including New Zealand Football's bank account, but they will also play a significant role in Tony Lochhead's future career.
New Zealand Football will investigate the possibility of adding extra seats for November's World Cup qualifier in Wellington.
Jeremy Brockie has been back only three days and already he is defying his new coach's instructions.
Four years on and Ricki Herbert is wrestling with some familiar problems.
YoungHeart Manawatu are going through an overhaul as they focus all their energies on their youth team for this summer.
Leicester City striker Chris Wood hopes his hat-trick at Carlisle United will kick-start a goal spree.
Ricki Herbert has had plenty of time to mull over his latest squad and the All Whites coach last night unveiled three surprise names for next month's two-match tour of Saudi Arabia.
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has thrown a couple of curveballs into the mix as he attempts to find the right formula for success in November's high-stakes World Cup playoffs.
The finals of the ASB Chatham Cup and ASB Women’s Knockout Cup will return to Christchurch for the first time in 25 and 19 years respectively with ASB Football Park confirmed to host a cup final double header on Sunday 15 September
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The artist and the athlete have begun plotting the demise of A-League defences.
Two things stand in the way of All Whites defender Andrew Durante achieving his World Cup dream.
Adding McLean Park, Napier, to the list of memorable venues played at before retiring in Wellington Phoenix colours is something Mark Paston would have dearly loved to have accomplished.
The Phoenix's Costa Rican connection is now complete, with speedy striker Kenny Cunningham having his first training session in Wellington today.
The All Whites will take part in the OSN Cup 2013 in Saudi Arabia in September as preparations continue for the final stage of FIFA World Cup qualification, the Intercontinental playoff, in November.