Soccer: All Whites' win greatest ever, says Herbert

Serbia 0 All Whites 1

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert was elated about his team's 1-0 victory over Serbia today, labelling it the best win in New Zealand soccer history.

A Shane Smeltz goal in the 22nd minute was enough to secure victory over Serbia, the world's 15th-ranked team, in the World Cup warm-up friendly in Klagenfurt, Austria.

"For us it's a fantastic result, it's the best we've ever had in the history of the game, to beat a team at that level," Herbert said.

The victory trumped New Zealand's unforgettable World Cup qualifying win over Bahrain in Wellington last November.

"It's going to take a bit to take away the euphoria of November 14 but I think playing a team ranked that high in the world and to beat them here is a terrific result," he said.

New Zealand, ranked 78th in the world, were heavy underdogs entering the match, so the result let the soccer world know the All Whites were a force to be reckoned with, he said.

"I think around the world it's probably going to send a few little messages."

The All Whites were without vice-captain Tim Brown, who underwent surgery on a fractured shoulder last week, and key striker Chris Killen, who missed the game in order to get married, but still created goalscoring opportunities.

"It's showing the depth of the squad," Herbert said.

"We're always likely to score now, whoever we play."

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