Wood urges New Zealand to 'create some history' at World Cup

TL;DR

New Zealand captain Chris Wood urges his team to 'create some history' at the upcoming World Cup, aiming for their first-ever win. The All Whites, ranked 85th, will face Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in Group G.

Key points

Chris Wood is the captain of New Zealand's World Cup squad
New Zealand is ranked 85th in FIFA rankings
The team aims for their first-ever World Cup win
New Zealand's first match is against Iran on June 15
The squad includes ten players from the Australian A-League

Mentioned in this story

Chris Wood

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New Zealand captain Chris Wood wants his team to "create some history" at next month's World Cup (Michael Bradley) (Michael Bradley/AFP/AFP) Chris Wood urged New Zealand to "create some history" after he was named captain Thursday of the World Cup squad who will be chasing a first-ever win at the global showpiece. Prolific Nottingham Forest striker Wood will lead the lowest-ranked side at this year's tournament, which begins next month in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The All Whites are 85th in the FIFA rankings and failed to win a match at their two previous appearances, including 2010 in South Africa, when Wood made three appearances as a substitute. Wood, who has scored 45 goals in 88 internationals, believes New Zealand have the depth and quality to challenge their Group G opponents Iran, Egypt and Belgium. "It's been a long time, 16 years, since we've been in the World Cup," Wood said via video link at the squad announcement in Auckland. "I can't wait to share the moment with this team and hopefully create some history. "I hope that we can do everybody proud and show the world what we're capable of." Wood returned to action a month ago, having been in doubt for the World Cup with a knee injury that forced him to miss most of Forest's English Premier League campaign.

Q&A

What is Chris Wood's role in the New Zealand World Cup squad?

Chris Wood is the captain of the New Zealand World Cup squad.

When does New Zealand play their first match in the World Cup?

New Zealand's first match in the World Cup is against Iran on June 15.

How has New Zealand performed in previous World Cups?

New Zealand has failed to win a match in their two previous World Cup appearances.

Who are New Zealand's opponents in Group G of the World Cup?

New Zealand will face Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in Group G.