KEY POINTS:
The All Whites have landed an early chance to wipe out the bitter memories of their failed 2006 World Cup campaign.
In beating the Solomon Islands 2-0 in the play-off for third at the South Pacific Games in Samoa, Vanuatu have booked themselves a first-up home game against Ricki Herbert's national side as the first step in their 2010 World Cup bid.
In Adelaide four years ago, Vanuatu effectively ended New Zealand's Confederations Cup/World Cup hopes with their upset 4-2 win over the Mick Waitt-coached All Whites.
The Solomons went on to claim second place behind Australia, thus ending New Zealand's hopes.
In what must be considered an upset, the Solomons have fallen at the first hurdle, leaving tournament winners New Caledonia, runners-up Fiji and Vanuatu to contest the second phase with New Zealand.
New Caledonia beat Fiji 1-0 in Saturday's final with Jose Hmae's 61st-minute goal the winner. Vanuatu beat the Solomons 2-0 in the bronze match.
All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner was impressed with what he saw in Samoa, saying the New Caledonians will be a real test, especially in Noumea.
"They deserved their win and have some players who will be a real handful," said Turner, who arrived back yesterday morning after watching the last four games of the tournament.
"Their captain and midfielder general Pierre Wajoka is absolutely outstanding. He is great on the ball and has a tremendous work-rate. Up front Poulidor Toto has electric pace and links well with Jose Hmae who plays in behind him. They break so quickly any team would struggle to combat."
Turner, in Wellington later in the day to watch the Phoenix, met Herbert after yesterday's game and will have further meetings in the next week or so to plan the World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off in Vanuatu on October 13.
