Samba soccer arrived in Wellington in style yesterday, attracting a record turnout for a domestic match in New Zealand. And almost a fairytale finish.
The crowd, and there were at least 3000 more than the 11,000 who had turned up 24 hours earlier for the Air New ZealandCup Wellington-Tasman rugby clash - were treated to a thrilling finish as the much-hyped Wellington Phoenix fought back to snatch a deserved 2-2 draw in their A-League debut at the Westpac Stadium.
Coach Ricki Herbert, encouraged by the universal support, including a pre-match text message from inspirational Warriors captain Steve Price, went for an eclectic mix of his home-grown players, three Australians and some obviously talented Brazilians.
He was rewarded with a result that lived up to the new Hyundai A-League "90 minutes, 90 emotions" catch-cry - all of them with the home side in a pulsating finish as they charged back from 0-2 - and were decidedly unlucky not to snatch victory over the defending champions.
"There was a lot more than just a result riding on the game," said Herbert. "We are talking about the retention of a professional football team in New Zealand.
"We went a long way to doing that today."
Benefactor Terry Serepisos, clutching a celebratory glass of bubbly, said he was overjoyed with what "his" team had produced.
"I couldn't be happier," said Serepisos. "It has been everything we worked for and wanted."
It was a festive occasion and if Herbert's team can keep producing as exciting football as they did in the latter stages of both halves they will be the talk of the capital - and a serious challenger as the team to support.
