BLACKBURN Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen will ponder his international future in the next few weeks after describing New Zealand’s unbeaten World Cup campaign as ‘an amazing achievement’ – even though they failed to make it to the group stage.

The Kiwis were big underdogs in Group F but drew all three games to become the first team since 1998 to go out despite not losing a game.

Nelsen was the man of the match as New Zealand drew with Italy and played 90 minutes once more in the 0-0 draw with Paraguay, even though he admits he was only ‘40 per cent fit’ because of a stomach bug.

“I've been throwing up and I hadn’t eaten for two days – I just felt awful,” said the 32-year-old, who would have missed any second round clash through suspension after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament.

"I just wish we could have done a wee bit better. I feel really gutted. We were so close but so far. To get the country into the next round would have been incredible.

“But if someone at the start of this whole thing had said you're going to be unbeaten at the World Cup, I'd have given my left arm for that.

“It's a pretty amazing achievement actually.”

New Zealand boss Ricki Herbert hopes Nelsen will continue playing for his country until the 2014 World Cup, but the Blackburn man says he is still unsure about his international future.

"I don't know,” said the defender, who will be able to fly to America for the birth of his daughter following the Kiwis’ exit.

“I'll have to have a good reflection after this and see what needs to be done.''

Rovers team-mate Brett Emerton, 31, says he will play on for Australia despite the Socceroo’s exit from the World Cup.

“I'd like to continue to play on as long as I'm being selected for the Australian team,” he said.