The All Whites looked like heading for defeat with the game against Slovakia in injury time and New Zealand being a goal down.
But the Kiwis found the all important equaliser with less than a minute to play and Nelsen could not hide his delight.
Speaking to FIFA.com, the Rovers’ captain said: “It was just an unbelievable feeling. We never stopped believing. Even though they had most of the play, we knew that a chance could come our way. Even when we missed one late on, we knew that in football it’s not over until the final whistle.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was really something. We’re obviously really pleased. There was a lot of signing, some traditional songs from back home, and the TV crew caught us dancing around. Great times.”
“I was very, very emotional,” he added. “I’m always emotional when I play for my country, but this is the World Cup. It doesn’t get any bigger. It’s something I’ve dreamt about for a long time.
“We’ve shown today that anything can happen in football. We’ve given ourselves a chance of making the last 16. We have two very difficult matches ahead against Italy and Paraguay, but that’s our target. For us to get through, to be honest would be the greatest sporting achievement in New Zealand’s history.”