New Zealand's Rory Fallon confident of World Cup joy

Fallon made his debut for New Zealand in September 2009

New Zealand striker Rory Fallon has claimed he can beat any defence in the world when he is playing at the top of his game.

Fallon scored the only goal as the Kiwis beat Bahrain 1-0 in the play-offs to qualify for the tournament.

The 28-year-old also netted five goals in 33 appearances for Championship side Plymouth Argyle last season.

Fallon told TV New Zealand: "I've got to be at my best, and when I'm at my best I don't think anyone can stop me."

He added: "At every World Cup everyone's got to be on their game, so there's no hiding place."

Watch highlights of New Zealand's World Cup qualifying campaign

Fallon only made his debut for New Zealand in September 2009 and subsequently won seven caps under coach Ricki Herbert, scoring three goals in the process.

On the domestic front, last season Fallon suffered disappointment as Plymouth were relegated from the Championship.

But the powerful striker believes his experience of playing in the second tier of English football will stand him in good stead in South Africa.

He said: "The Championship is one of the hardest leagues in the world so I'm used to playing against some of the big boys."

New Zealand are in Group F at the World Cup, alongside Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.

The Kiwis' first game is on Tuesday, 15 June against Slovakia in Rustenburg.