Where were you when Winston Reid scored against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup? These All Whites haven't forgotten

Sunday, 14 June 2026

It’s one of the most iconic goals in New Zealand football history.

With time almost up in the All Whites’ opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Slovakia, centre back Winston Reid rose to meet a Shane Smeltz cross and steered a glancing header into the bottom right corner, earning the tournament’s lowest-ranked team their first-ever World Cup point in dramatic fashion.

Reid, who had only declared for New Zealand months earlier after growing up in Denmark, ripped off his No 4 shirt, swung it above his head and sprinted towards the corner flag, stopping just short of the moat surrounding Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

The last-gasp 1-1 draw launched the All Whites’ remarkable unbeaten campaign, with draws against Italy and Paraguay to follow.

Can you remember where you were when Reid scored that header? Most of the current All Whites squad were still children, watching on television late at night. But they haven’t forgotten. They say that moment inspired them to become the players they are today.

All Whites midfielder Callum McCowatt was at a mate’s house watching on TV…

“I was staying over at a friend’s house and we were watching it there and Winston scored. I think for many of the group it’s kind of what sparked the process of wanting to become a footballer. It’s a good opportunity for this group to leave that similar mark for kids who are very young. I think I was 11 or something so it left a mark on me. It’s something that inspires you to grow up to become a professional.”

Former All Whites striker Rory Fallon was on the field with Reid and followed closely behind during the celebrations…

“I was right behind him. It was perfect for his head and I was right behind him, so if he missed that I was on to it. It was the quickest I’ve ever seen him move. We didn’t realise there was a 10 foot pit down below. We went to run to the ground and everyone started slipping over. We were all holding onto each other. That was an experience. It would have been horrific if we all fell into that net – our first-ever World Cup point and we’re all in the net.”

All Whites defender Nando Pijnaker was watching from the couch at home in Rotorua…

“It’s funny looking back at those memories you have and realising we’re now at a World Cup. Hopefully we can do the same and little kids watching TV, just like I was back then, it would be amazing if we could make that happen.”

Team physiotherapist Roland Jeffery was next to the coaching staff, watching from the All Whites dugout…

“I was obviously on the bench and it was just shock and disbelief pretty much. The emotion from the coaches probably sums it up.”

All Whites assistant coach and 2010 player Simon Elliott was right next to Smeltz, ready for a pass so he could cross the ball…

“Smeltzy wins the ball, probably 40-60 against him, pivots to cross. I’ve just come to try and give him an option [to pass the ball to], because I was probably going to do the same thing. He made a good decision, just as well he took care of it, and then it was all in slow motion after that. I think it bounced off Winnie’s shoulder or his chin and somehow snuck it in the far corner and it was 1-1 and away we went.”

All Whites winger Elijah Just woke up in the night to watch the game on TV…

“I was at home. I woke up at night to watch the games. It’s a pretty big memory and a big inspiration for me – one of the reasons when I was a kid that I wanted to become a footballer.

Where were you? Let us know in the comments.