PEC Zwolle captain Ryan Thomas is preparing for his first-ever World Cup with the New Zealand national team. In a recent interview with Voetbal International, he shares his experiences about football in New Zealand, where rugby is the national sport. Thomas mentions that boys in school often get laughed at for choosing football, highlighting the stigma of football being seen as a 'pussy sport.' Despite these challenges, Thomas has found his way in football, starting with Jong PEC Zwolle after playing for various clubs in New Zealand. Since 2013, he has been playing in the Netherlands and feels increasingly like a Dutchman, even considering applying for a Dutch passport after his career. He notes that his accent has changed since the arrival of Australian player Trent Sainsbury, showing how he has adapted to his surroundings. New Zealand is participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, and Thomas is determined to show the world that their team is more than just a defensive squad. The goal is to achieve at least four points in the group stage, which could help them advance to the next round. Thomas hopes the team can showcase their footballing skills and exceed expectations.