New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert felt it was important to keep emotions in check after his side's momentous draw against Italy.

The All Whites produced the greatest result in their history as they held the world champions 1-1 in a pulsating World Cup Group F clash. After two draws, New Zealand know they can now reach the second round for the first time by beating Paraguay.

"The dressing room is great," Herbert said. "But we don't have much time to turn this one around. We're very balanced but the emotion is there and needless to say it will be a nice charter flight back to Serengeti."