The Road To Brazil 2014 via Wellington feat. Mexico

The sooner the NZFA join the Asia confederation, the better. 1, it will help us get some better opposition to improve against & 2, it'd help the Nix get into the Asian Champions League should they actually have a decent season.

Oceania is a joke, that no one really takes seriously. It's like that itch between your shoulder blades that you just can't quite reach when you need to.

Hiya Bevan, remember when "Honest" Sepp Blatter promised Oceania a direct place into the WC Finals if we supported Germany to get the 2006 WC? And then did a prompt U-turn after the voting. Oceania should really have kicked up a storm over that.

I don't think fifa will want NZF to leave oceania, especially now with the new proposed world cup system. They'd want to keep it slightly reputable.

Someone should take Oceania out the back and shoot it......its a terrible Confed. There is no money, its dead, broken, useless  and we are chained to it. Our football internationally will not improve until we get out of it or FIFA gets rid of it. Failing that the best short term solution is NZF at least lobby to try and get us into the Asian WC playoff series.

A $5 million TV deal for NZF shows what its like in the real world. There is SFA TV money in Oceania, SFA sponsorship...its a dog!

Getting back to the game..... your head tells you that we will get a thrashing at the Azteca however your heart tells you that there is a glimmer of hope. With a huge amount of luck something unpredictable could happen. Imagine what would happen to Mexico if it was still 0-0 after 40 mins and then somehow we sneaked a goal. The crowd would turn against them...anything could happen.

However if Mexico score early that will settle the nerves and they could go on to a big win.

C'mon mate, if ADP, world cup winner with Italy in 06 gets into the A League, why not Nelsen?

Nelsen isn't nearly half the player ADP is.

He could have done his country a lot of good by coming here even just for a year.

But yeah no need to talk about it now, it never happened. Just thought I'd mention it after reading these ridiculous articles in the Press about getting Nelsen out of retirement for the Mexico game LOL

What a joke

Yeah, "get on with the A-League" in front of probably dwindling crowds of 5000 or so based on current form and taking the side out of Wellington for months.

That'll be far more exciting than playing in front of 105,000 at the Azteca and 35,000 at Westpac....

Sorry, the reality is even a well-performing Nix side would probably only get the regular attention of about 5% of the population.

And get on with the ASBP!  The 2 Auckland sides had solid wins, although thought a bit of an upset (draw) was on the way when 1-1 at 79 minutes!   Then what is being reported as an upset with WaiBoP beating the Canty team.

Roll on this coming weekend with 3 ASBP games in Auckland, talk about famine to a feast!!

Couldn't find the original post from Big Pete, so I am quoting via Nathan instead:

With all respect, Big Pete, you are comparing apples with apples. I am suggesting comparing apples with oranges.

The point is not whether Club America is crap by their local standards, but if they are crap by international standards in comparison to the All Whites. They are definitely no world beaters, but I expect them to do better at the Azteca Stadium than the team Ricki is putting on the park there (and that's not counting travel time, jetlag, and altitude). Our team is a combination of The Nix with a few Europe based players and a sprinkling of New Zealand based lower grade players.

I would argue instead that if you sent Brisbane Roar or the Central Coast Mariners they would be more likely to pull off a result, but the Nix are still a work in progress and sit low on the table, although there are others in the mix to make it more competitive but that's not enough. I am happy to see McGlinchey fit and able to play. Hopefully Rojas, Barbarouses and Smeltz may do something (?). But the defence is just not that limber and may have a horrid time as time wears on.

As a realist we are obviously not looking great and are major underdogs. But since when has football been about realism. 

COYAW!

Look to see if the Mexican goalkeeper has the look of a man who has been sent pictures of his own family by an anonymous caller. Add that to any goal keeping howlers that let the AWs in and you can be pretty certain. I wonder what the odds are against NZ winning?

Greed supercedes patriotism every time.

Btw a Mexican barman I know here in Auckland tells me he hopes VERY much that the All Whites will be victorious - but unsmiling, he refuses to tell me why. "I have my reasons," is all he would say. (Don't think this is because of betting, more like something that has turned him against his own country).

Probably because Mexico is a disgusting country?

249. (110) International Friendly Aug 20, Auckland, Bill McKinlay Park New Zealand 4-0 Mexico (Brian Turner 4', 35', Steve Wooddin 25', Grant Turner 64') New Zealand: Frank van Hattum, John Hill, David Bright, Richard Herbert, Ron Armstrong, Keith Mackay, Steve Sumner [c], Grant Turner (Ken Billot), Duncan Ormond (Clive Campbell), Brian Turner, Steve Wooddin (Mark Armstrong). Coach: John Adshead. Mexico: Ignacío Rodriguez, Mario Trejo, Alfredo Tena, A Vázquez Ayala, Ramón de la Torre, Mario Hernández (Juan A Luna 46'), Mario Medina, Pedro Munguía, Héctor Tapia, Ricardo Castro, Sergio Lira (Cristóbal Ortega 27'). Coach: Raúl Cárdenas. Referee: Bill Munro (New Zealand)

Nice one. Leggy saw it (see earlier post somewhere on this forum).

My original post # 4355. I'm making the point that Club America have in fact been shown recently to be "crap by international standards" by losing at home and away to the side currently third in the Costa Rican league. With all respect to Costa Rica, not a significant league. Would it really be better than the A-League? Also Herrera's Mexican team apparently wasn't greatly impressive vs. the Finland "B" team.

I realise any All Whites team would normally be expected to struggle against Mexico as we have two out of three times in the past. Reid not being present certainly makes our defence more ordinary. Add Tommy Smith and Storm Roux into the mix though and they improve it significantly. Vicelich's ability to raise his game at defensive midfield is always a bonus too. Henderson could add a lot in midfield. And McGlinchey, as you say...Moss looks sharp currently. Question is, how many Nix players will start at the Azteca? There are only four outfield Phoenix players in the squad (Durante, Sigmund, Bertos, Brockie) so you can't really say the team is based on the Nix. Seven of the squad play for UEFA clubs. Add in four of the best A-League players, Smeltz, Barbarouses, McGlinchey, Roux. To my  mind, a stronger squad than any A-League team.

Still, I agree with you overall -  Mexico have the pedigree and resources and we're rank outsiders. I'm just saying there is some hope based on Mexican performances this year and the instability of four managers in two months...

MY ORIGINAL POST:

Except their "local league team" Club America which provide ten players to El Tri have also been crap recently - they lost at the Azteca to Costa Rican club Alajuelense (yes, "who?") last month which eliminated them at the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.

All I can say is there are three Major League Soccer teams into the next round of eight and Arabe Unido (no, I'd never heard of them either) - but Club America weren't good enough to make it.

So, if the team currently third on the Costa Rican league table can beat Club America home and away, surely there is some hope that the All Whites can get a result vs. a Mexico team based on them & sharing the same coach !!!

The wonderful Club America go down in flames at the Azteca October 22:

http://www.concacaf.com/video/club-america-vs-alajuelense-highlights

They lost the first tie away in Costa Rica in August too: 

http://www.concacaf.com/video/alajuelense-vs-club-america-highlights

Also check out this report on Mexico v Finland last week highlighting Mexico's defensive frailties v Finland "B" (Finland League eleven):

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/oct/30/soccer-mexico-qualcomm-stadium-finland/

Highlights Mexico v Finland 30 October: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVu7MAePGKk

We can get a good idea of how Mexico will play by watching previous Club America games: 

For what it's worth, you can see various highlights and full matches of Club America here:

http://livefootballvideo.com/teams/america

http://www.matchhighlight.com/index.php?s=Club+America

Mexico team World Cup qualifying - highlights & full matches (full matches at bottom): http://livefootballvideo.com/teams/mexico

v Costa Rica (full game): one video for each half of game:

http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-match-game/fifa-full-match-game/costa-rica-v-mexico/

v Panama (full game):

http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-match-game/fifa-full-match-game/mexico-v-panama/

Latest news on all Whites training and a compilation of all NZ press reports on the All Whites from recent days:

• 
  Latest news on NZ team now training in LA at StubHub Centre: 
  SATURDAY, LA: "The All Whites are staying at the beachside suburb Torrance and were greeted by a typically sunny California day. Players will rest and receive massage and treatment this afternoon (US time) before the real work starts on the training pitch tomorrow."
  The All Whites have secured facilities at the StubHub Centre, a state-of-the-art sports complex that is home to MLS clubs Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA."
  SUNDAY, LA: "The New Zealand and Australian-based All Whites reported a clean bill of health as they arrived into camp yesterday, with the European contingent joining Saturday night. Today's two training sessions at the StubHub Centre will be light and focus on the side's shape, while they will also study video of their opponent's 5-3-2 system."
  
  LATEST: SUNDAY, LA (Monday NZT): "The All Whites have shaken off their jet-lag with their opening training session in the Los Angeles heat this morning.
  The 90-minute session was the first of three the the national side will have at the state-of-the-art StubHub Centre before flying into the enemy territory of Mexico City tomorrow for the first leg of their World Cup qualifier elimination series.
  All 23 players participated in the session, although back-up goalkeeper Tamati Williams sat out the 11 v 11 simulation game.
  The training was an opportunity to blow out the cobwebs - the European-based players only arrived last night - and work on the team's structure.A 10-strong Mexican media pack - and a handful of fans - were interested observers until they were politely asked to leave after 15 minutes.
  There are no injury concerns within the team.
  Jeremy Brockie had ice strapped to his thigh as he boarded the team bus, a hangover from a knock suffered before the Wellington Phoenix's 1-1 draw with Perth Glory in Christchurch on Saturday.
  But he took a full part in the session and waved away any concerns about his health.
  The All Whites will train again this afternoon and then tomorrow morning before flying into Mexico City.
  The 25-degree temperatures mean the All Whites coaching staff must carefully balance the need for meaningful training sessions while also leaving enough petrol in the tank to take on the world No 24 Mexicans at 2300-metre altitude.
  They had company at the StubHub Centre, with MLS club Chivas USA also training on one of the six full-sized practice fields.
  Ricki Herbert's team will train again this afternoon (LA time) before a final session tomorrow morning. They depart for Mexico (4.5 hour flight) tomorrow afternoon and will land in Mexico City just before midnight (Mexico time)."
  
  An excellent preview of the game at the Azteca:

  A Mexican wave of fear www.stuff.co.nz

  Can you imagine what will happen to Herrera if Mexico fail to beat New Zealand? There will be over 4000 riot police at the match and that might not be 

  "Legend is that they don't allow belts inside the stadium. Maybe the Mexican fans would hang themselves if they lost. Maybe they would use the strap to assault visiting fans. Maybe they would hurl them like bolas to strangle the legs of opposing players. The Azteca is a dangerous place..."

  
  All recent reports:

  
  

  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9382591/Rufer-wants-All-Whites-to-park-bus-in-Mexico
  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/9374790/Smith-All-Whites-suffer-massive-blow-to-hopes
  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9374881/Winston-Reid-injury-offers-lifeline-for-Sigmund
  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9383211/All-Whites-striker-Shane-Smeltz-ready-for-Mexico
  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9383908/Under-pressure-Mexico-good-for-New-Zealandhttp://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9384679/Herbert-steps-into-spotlight-in-LA

  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=11154499
  

  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=11154811
  

Well done, Big Pete. I have to say your statements are well backed up by research.

Hopefully Ricki will read my earlier post, and select for the return leg the non-travelling players with fresh legs, like Boxall.

I'd possibly like to see fresh legs if we had the depth/were injury free/didnt have to call up people too early. Fitzgerald (yip ill harp on) would be great waiting in Wellington, as would young Thomas (see above) potentially

Others?

Boxall

Howieson

and

a fit Killen and Payne

Wouldn't be a crazy idea with Fitzgerald or Boxall replacing a Sigmund etc etc

I've told you all...Ricki will be playing a new 1-9-1 formation!

did any one get tickets in NZ get tickets to world cup from Fifa in the latest ballot just wondered if we were the only ones to miss out

I had heard that the Mexican squad announced was only the squad for the first match, even though it would probably be exactly the same for the return leg. Have we not done the same?

There are some rules about having to tell clubs x number of days before each game. I think it was 14 from memory. Not sure if you able to name stand by players in the same manner though.

I suspect this is why we have named 23 players despite being able to have 18 in the match day squad. Any suspensions could be covered internally.

I still see him bringing in a Boxall for 2nd Leg though at very least

Excellent preview by Tom Marshall from the Mexican Soccer Show featuring our own Piney...

https://soundcloud.com/madaboutfutbol/mexican-soccer-show-el-tri-vs

"Tom and Nayib are joined by Futmexsource.com's Wiso Vazquez, and Radio Sport of New Zealand football commentator, Jason Pine, to talk about the World Cup Playoff that will see an all Liga Bancomer MX national team compete against Ricki Herbert's New Zealand for one of the last Brazil 2014 tickets. Probable line-ups, keys to the games, and predictions are all on this 54-minute show".

Goddamit!

Rory only had to flutter his eyelashes at me and I'm falling in love with him all over again.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9387200/Azteca-holds-no-fear-for-2009-hero-Fallon

Love his positivity.

#dontstopbelievin in God.

Positivity is fine, but I think he's seriously underestimating the energy sapping effects of altitude. You can't just be a "can do" Kiwi, grit your teeth and play through it...unless God has told him otherwise...

Unequivocally yes.  The bottom dwellers maybe not, but your top dogs (Saprissa, Herediano and Alajuelense) would place in the top few spots in MLS, and would more than likely finish top 4 or 5 in Liga MX.  Historically Costa Rican teams have shown quite well in the Concacaf Champions Cup (precursor to the current Concacaf Champions League).  Only recently with the addition of six more games have they begun struggling.  Rarely have they ever bombed out of the tournament.  Generally when they are knocked out in the group stages they lose out because of inferior goal differential when the points are level or finish third by only one or two points.

The loss by America in Azteca is a bit of an abberation, but losing in Costa Rica is not at all a shocker.  The stadium there used to be the secondary home to the Ticos until the new national stadium was built, which still is not the primary venue for high profile matches against the US and Mexico (FIFA essentially condemned Estadio Saprissa and forbid the Ticos from using it as their home venue against the US and Mexico until it was brought up to FIFA standards).  In addition, the fans in Alajuelense are sitting on top of you, and their playing surface is synthetic grass and not natural grass like it is in Azteca.