Sideline Sid - Sports blogger Sideline Sid is a local sport fanatic. Not only is he a classic rugby bloke but he has views, opinions and knowledge on all sports played in the Bay of Plenty.

While Sidline Sid is a rugby fan through and true - even he has been impressed with the performances of the All Whites in the soccer ooops Football World Cup.
All the clichés of uniting the country, punching above our weight etc, etc really do apply to the Kiwi football side.

Given less than no chance by the critics and the media, the All Whites have shown stubbornness and determination in clashes against Slovakia and Italy. In both games the opposition dominated attack and shots at goal, however, the scrambling New Zealand defence rose to the occasion time and time again.

And what can you say about keeper Mark Paston. Against the world champions he was superb stopping numerous shots at goal by the Italians. Without the heroics of the Kiwi keeper it could have easily been five or six goals to Italy.

Once again the small nation from the end of the world has risen to the great occasion. We delight in being the underdog and engaging in David and Goliath battles.

However, people (read the media), get carried away with the occasion, describing the two DRAWS as one of the great New Zealand sporting moments.

Growing up I have listened and watched a myriad of sporting moments in New Zealand sport. In the 50s it was listening on a one-valve crystal (radio) set, to the titanic battles for the Ranfurly Shield where just a few points separated the winners from the losers.

Getting up in the 1960s to listen to a crackling radio commentary, of the Olympic glory achieved by Murray Halberg and Peter Snell were unforgettable memories.

In 1970, the late night All Blacks verse the Springboks clashes in Seth Efreka, saw many gathered around radios to urge the All Blacks on.

In the mid 1970s, the arrival of live television coverage of major sporting events changed us forever. No longer did we have to listen for Winston McCarthy's, "It's a goal", or hang on every sentence of the radio commentator. Suddenly we could yell and scream as the live action unfolded on the small screen before us.

Time erases many memories. Getting up to hear the Kiwi rowing eight win gold at the 1972 Olympics, watching Chris Lewis get to the final at Wimbledon, and the 1995 America's Cup victory all rank up there for me.

My favourite television sporting memory is Dick Taylor winning the 10,000 metres at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. The sight of the winner lying sprawled on the track in both exhaustion and joy has remained with me forever.

New Zealand's Greatest Sporting Moment - For my tuppence-worth, it has to be Peter Snell's double gold medal at the 1964 Olympics, however, Danyon Loader's double Olympic gold is right up there for mine too.

Seeya at the Game.