The All Whites captain is far from forecasting anything other than a three-match experience in the group stages at next month's World Cup.
But the defender, who has experienced some of New Zealand football's most excruciating defeats -- like Vanuatu in 2004 -- believes the current squad has the potential to build on the momentum fostered by their qualification for South Africa last November.
Nelsen drew a parallel between the resurgence of soccer in Australia and the current state of the game in New Zealand -- an upswing provided by the All Whites success and the exploits of Wellington Phoenix in season 2009-10 of the A-League.
"I see a big correlation to the Australian team in early 2000," Nelsen said.
"All of a sudden they qualified for Germany (2006 World Cup).
"I've sat in press conferences when we're playing Australian and there's four of you (media) there. Now look at it. It's packed. The same thing is happening in New Zealand."
Nelsen equated the Socceroos qualification for Germany by beating Uruguay on penalties at a crammed Olympic stadium in Sydney with New Zealand's 1-0 win over Bahrain in Wellington six months ago.
"That Uruguay game .... it was one of the greatest sporting moments in Australian history. What we did against Bahrain was the exact same for us."
The Socceroos are relying on the aging core of that side in South Africa and while New Zealand are realistic about their prospects against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay, Nelsen was already excited about Brazil in 2014.
"The great thing is this team will be stronger in four years," he said. citing the youth of striker Chris Wood (18) and uncapped defenders Winston Reid and Tommy Smith, who are 22 and 20 respectively.
"We've got young players. One is 18 with (English) premier league experience, we've got a guy playing in Denmark that Italian clubs are looking at (Reid) ...
"In three years time if you look at the Australian and New Zealand teams, there will be vastly different stories."
Australia face a significant overhaul before Brazil -- nine of Pim Verbeek's likely starting side next month are already in their 30s including key striker Harry Kewell, captain Lucas Neill and midfielder Tim Cahill.
At 32 Nelsen's first World Cup may be his last -- and it is an experience he is savouring after starting an intermittent 41-cap career in 1999.
"This New Zealand team is completely different from the late 90s when I was first involved ... we've got some entertaining players to go and watch and we're a very competitive team now," he said.
"I've been to some major competitions with New Zealand and I've got to admit I've probably held my breath, not really knowing what's going on.
"With this team we've got a lot of experience, a lot of players playing in good competitions.
"The brutal reality of going to a World Cup is you could get beaten 5-0 every game.
"The difference with team is I know we'll be unbelievably competitive. We could get beaten but we'll be dying trying to get a win."