The Improbables · Nation to Glory
Take New Zealand to Glory
“all-whites optimists”
The press pack calls New Zealand undefeated at the 2010 World Cup, look it up, and files them as all-whites optimists. The bookmakers put them in the improbables at 1000/1 and drifting.
▶ Play as New Zealand
- The bookmakers
- The Improbables — 1000/1 and drifting
- The federation's target
- Compete with dignity — a point gets framed
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Mark Paston, but taller. At the back, Ryan Nelsen, but chattier. Running midfield, a midfielder with rugby-proof shoulders. Up front, Wynton Rufer, but he never left Auckland.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far New Zealand can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as New Zealand
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting