McBeth on the World Cup: It's How They Handle Fan Pressure

Although New Zealand fans should have learned much about the dangers of predicting lofty results from our sports teams, many have not.

The mature sports followers recall the hurt which has followed a team's failure to live up to expectations and they refuse to allow themselves to get carried away before any major events. Some now just sit back expecting the worst. But others with less vivid memories enjoy the thrill of wholeheartedly throwing their support behind the sports person or team which has become the flavour of the moment.

We are seeing it again with the Cricket World Cup. Brendon McCullum's team has achieved impressive results in the lengthy buildup to the contest and they deserve to be among the favoured teams, but beating Sri Lanka a few times is slightly different to smacking Australia or South Africa. Their results need to be kept in perspective and fans should get a much better idea of the Black Caps chances when they face England in the capital on Friday.

Several of the other sides have been only too willing to paint New Zealand as favourites. They are well aware that not many teams can easily handle the 'favourites' tag, especially when playing at home. McCullum has outwardly displayed great composure everywhere but few of the team have ever been in a situation where they have been forced to shoulder the responsibility of meeting the hopes of a nation which now expects them to win. The players can rehearse their responses to the media, can look casual and unaffected by the hype which is fast developing into hysteria, but it's how they cope internally and out on the field which will matter most.

Cricket more than most sports in New Zealand suffers from soaring highs to depressing lows and the fans react accordingly. Most of this Black Caps team have experienced the anger of a dissappointed public on occasions, so this euphoria which is following them at present is something novel and a feeling they don't want to toss away with any sub-par performance. The support they're receiving will quickly turn the other way if they falter.

So as this tournament progresses, we all know the players can bat, bowl and field as proficiently as the others. We know that all the teams have the utmost respect for the Black Caps and that in McCullum they have a confident and astute leader. It's how the players are handling this huge level of expectation that is crucial to success and while coach Mike Hesson and his support crew have achieved plenty on the field, their major task now is dealing with the headspace of each individual.

If they are managing that, then we can be justified in expecting this team of outstanding players to give us plenty to cheer about.

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