Chris Zoricich

Zoricich, nicknamed "Zorro", began his senior career with Papatoetoe in Auckland before moving to Leyton Orient in England between 1990 and 1993. He made 59 first team appearances there, and 12 as a substitute during his time at the club, before work permit restrictions forced him to return home. A group of Orient fans protested outside the Home Office to try to keep him in the country. In 1994, Zoricich returned to New Zealand to play for Central United, a Croatian-influenced team. His brother, Michael (who played Davis Cup tennis for New Zealand), and his father, Ivan, also turned out for Central at various points. However it was not long before Zoricich was on the move again, this time to Brisbane Strikers in the Australian National Soccer League. He spent two seasons in Australia before heading to England to try his luck again. He made one appearance for Welling United in the Vauxhall Conference and also had a trial spell with Chelsea, at that time managed by Ruud Gullit. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Zoricich never made the first team but was a regular in the reserve side's defence. Zoricich returned to Australia to re-sign for the Brisbane Strikers in 1997, after the club had won the NSL championship on their home ground. He then ended his NSL career by playing for Newcastle Breakers and Newcastle United, before returning to England as his English wife was homesick. After trialling with League Two side, Mansfield Town, he signed for Margate in the Nationwide…

Zoricich made his international debut against Israel on 27 March 1988. He went on to win 57 caps in full 'A' internationals, including captaining the All Whites at the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico and the 2003 Confederations Cup in France. His only international goal was in a 1–2 loss to USA in June 1999 at the Confederations Cup.

International goals

Scores and results list New Zealand's goal tally first.

New Zeland

OFC Nations Cup: 1998, 2002; Runner-up, 2000