Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is “excited” at the prospect of going to next year’s World Cup after clinching qualification with New Zealand.
The All Whites booked their place at next year’s tournament with a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in Auckland in the early hours of Monday morning (GMT). It will be their third World Cup appearance, following on from reaching the 1982 and 2010 tournaments.
Wood was part of the squad in South Africa 15 years ago and is delighted to have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage with his country once again. The forward had to be substituted in the 54th minute against New Caledonia after suffering an injury. Other than the reporter alluding to some "personal pain", he was not asked about the nature of the problem in a post-match interview with the official YouTube channel of the Oceania Football Confederation.
The 33-year-old told OFC of reaching the World Cup: "It's fantastic. This is what the country has been waiting for for the last 12 years of heartbreak. To come out on top this time around is fantastic.
"We played well enough in the first half. They caused us a lot of problems at the same time.
"We had enough chances in the first half to score. Unfortunately it didn't go in. That's how it goes.
“It's football, so you have got to come out in the second half and do the same thing. The boys did extremely well to score the goals.
"We're very excited and I'm very excited. I've wanted to get back there (to a World Cup) for a long time. Personally I'm very happy to be there and I know all the boys will be as well.”
Wood said there is a strong team spirit in the New Zealand camp. He believes they can hold their own at next year’s tournament.
"We've done it against the big sides already,” he said. “We need to keep improving, keep doing well and hopefully do it on the biggest stage.”
Wood added: "We wouldn't come back (to play for New Zealand) if we didn't enjoy it. We love getting together as a group. We have a great bond and it shows on the pitch. We're just thankful we can continue our journey.”
In a post on Instagram, Wood said: "Buzzing to be going to a World Cup! Every single person in this group deserves this, as do the All Whites fans. See you in the States."
Forest will have everything crossed Wood has not sustained a serious problem as he is a key figure for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Reports have suggested he hurt his hip when swivelling for a shot.
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All Whites boss Darren Bazeley said of the forward being forced off: "It's not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well.”
Reds players Marko Stamenic and Tyler Bindon, who are both currently out on loan, also played their part in getting New Zealand over the line. According to New Zealand publication Stuff, Bindon said of his reaction when he saw Wood going off: "Oh no, here we go..."
Forest are next in action on Saturday, when they make the trip to face Brighton and Hove Albion in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup (5.15pm kick-off). They will then host Manchester United in the league next Tuesday (April 1, 8pm).
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