Fred de Jong: Expectation rising as All Whites show class

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Expectation is on the rise. After the historic win against Serbia last weekend there has been a surge of optimism among supporters of the All Whites.

The win has also intensified competition within the squad as players jostle for starting positions in New Zealand's opening match against Slovakia. Competition for places is fiercest for the two positions on either side of skipper Ryan Nelsen in the All Whites' defence.

After the Bahrain victory last year Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund could have been forgiven for thinking they had cast-iron holds on two centre back positions. The experience of Vicelich and the never-say-die attitude of Sigmund made for a well-tested, effective combination.

However, after Sunday morning's victory over Serbia, suddenly Vicelich and Sigmund will be looking over their shoulders with anxiety at the looming presence of youngsters Tommy Smith and Winston Reid.

Both Reid, 21, and Smith, 20, appeared against Australia in unfamiliar wingback positions. Reid came on early for the injured Leo Bertos on the right and Smith for Tony Lochhead on the left. For two youngsters at the start of their international careers their performances were solid without being stellar.

This changed on Sunday morning in Klagenfurt. Both looked much more comfortable at centre back with Nelsen slotted between them. They grew into the game, did a good job keeping the Serbian strikers under wraps and felt comfortable enough to provide New Zealand options bringing the ball out of defence.

One of the pleasing aspects of their performances was their composure on the ball when under pressure. Not content to just smash the ball downfield, they both looked to play out from the back and retain the hard-won possession. And it was Reid's flighted delivery to Rory Fallon that set up the goal for Shane Smeltz.

The lure of the World Cup is evident in these two Kiwis. Reid having been developed in Denmark and representing the Danes at under-19 and under-21 level before deciding that this may be his one chance at a World Cup tournament. The Danes must be more than a little annoyed, having developed his talent from the age of 10 only to lose him to his country of birth.

Smith, born in England but bred in New Zealand, represented England at under-17 level before answering the call from Ricki Herbert to be part of a footballer's dream.

Four into two does not go and Herbert has a tough choice ahead. No doubt it is a choice he relishes as it shows that the All Whites now have a number of realistic options in such a key area.

Vicelich and Sigmund are the incumbents, but that is no guarantee. Herbert may be daring and give youth a chance.

Fred de Jong is a former All White