Kosta Barbarouses has helped New Zealand return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
Barbarouses scored one goal and assisted another as the Kiwi’s beat New Caledonia 3-0 in their decisive qualifier.
Last time New Zealand qualified for a World Cup was in 2010, when the A-League legend was just 20 years old and was overlooked for selection in the All Whites squad.
They missed the next three World Cups with Barbarouses playing in each of those unsuccessful qualification campaigns, including 2022 when he was sent off in the second half of a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.
Barbarouses reflected on the 15 years that led to his pivotal contribution to the All Whites’ long drought finally coming to an end.
“This is my fifth attempt to get to a World Cup so I’m really emotional and very happy,” Barbarouses told FIFA+.
“I’ve sort of had flashbacks to the last 15 years. I’m very happy to contribute and get the team over the line. Look, we’re going to another World Cup – I’m ecstatic.
“I have to say perseverance on my end,” he added.
“One thing I do is I never give up and I always back myself. I know life and football is full of ups and downs; I’m just very happy I can help us get there and it means so much to me.”
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