All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has been struck down by a stomach bug 24 hours ahead of the biggest football game in New Zealand's history.
The Blackburn Rovers star missed this morning's captain's run ahead of New Zealand's decisive World Cup match against Paraguay.
Fifteen years after food poisoning ruined the All Blacks chances to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup, a South African bug again seems to play havoc with one of New Zealand's historic sporting moments.
While the other players went through a warm-up drill, the New Zealand captain had a quick chat with the team doctor before shuffling back into the player's tunnel.
The All Whites play Paraguay at 2am tomorrow.
Results from this morning, England beat Slovenia 1-0, USA scored a last minute goal to beat Algeria 1-0, Germany proved too strong for Ghana winning 1-0 and Australia defeated Serbia 2-1.
England Captain Steven Gerard, who played predominantly on the left against Slovenia, said that England had always managed to get the required result when faced with a pressure situation.
Looking at the teams that have secured a place in the second round of competition, Uruguay will take on South Korea, Argentina is up against Mexico, England will face Germany and USA plays Ghana.
Coming up tomorrow at 2am, New Zealand takes on Paraguay and Italy plays Slovakia.
At 6.30am, Denmark takes on Japan and Netherlands will play Cameroon.
All Whites captain down with stomach bug
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