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All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma was able to celebrate his 50th international cap in the stands with his family after a near-perfect performance.
New Zealand thrashed India 5-0 at Go Media Stadium in the first of two games, with Tuiloma taking on the captaincy when Chris Wood was substituted
in the 74th minute.
The defender had a chance to cap his performance with a goal when he was handed the ball for a penalty in the 77th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith pulled off an impressive save to deny him.
However, Tuiloma was praised and celebrated by his family in the crowd at fulltime as they sang Ua Fa’afetai, a Samoan song of thanksgiving, to him.
“[It was] very special,” the 31-year-old said.
“Obviously, getting to 50 was a personal goal for me, and I think it should be for every other player that wants to pursue that goal.
“And then having the family there just made it even more special. Having my parents there, family, nieces, nephews and yeah, it was a great moment to be in.”
He appreciated being given the captain’s armband by Wood.
“It meant a lot, you know, especially getting it from him. We all know Chris Wood and what he’s done for New Zealand football, and what he’s done in his career is top.”
Tuiloma’s only disappointment from the match was missing the penalty.
“I just wish I scored. It is what it is.”
He made his senior international debut in 2013, aged 18, in a 0-0 draw against Trinidad and Tobago. He had previously appeared for the U17 and U20 sides. That year, he signed for French first-division club Marseille.
Coach Darren Bazeley praised Tuiloma’s professionalism after the victory in Auckland.
“Bill’s been through quite a lot in his career.
“He obviously had that young spurt when he went across to France, and the last few years have been challenging for him.
“He hasn’t played many minutes. He had a really strong period at Portland and then got traded. And then hasn’t had so many minutes, and that’s been really difficult for him.
“But right now, he looks super fit, he’s in great form for the Phoenix. And it’s one of the, I mean, for me, I get to give people debuts, and that’s really cool, but to tell Bill he’s starting on his 50th in Auckland and I know he’s got all his family here and friends because, you know, he’s a local.
“I thought that was really special and they’re moments that will live with me as well.”
Tuiloma and the All Whites will play India again on Sunday in Christchurch.
Samuel Sherry is a live news and sport journalist for the New Zealand Herald, based in Auckland.
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