All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams

The Road To Brazil 2014 via Wellington feat. Mexico

4497 replies · 454,612 views
over 12 years ago
theprof wrote:

won't happen, will be a 0-0 draw, mark my words!

Yeah, even bottom of the final qualifying group Jamaica managed a 0-0 draw in the Azteca.
Other home results in the final round: 0-0 v Costa Rica, 0-0 v USA, 1-2 v Honduras, 2-1 v Panama
Total of seven goals scored in 10 final round qualifiers.

Their problem = strikers who don't score much:  
Mexico have relied on Hernandez as their top goal-scorer in qualifying -and he's suspended for the first leg v NZ  (six goals in 16 qualifying rounds) and he hasn't scored for Mexico since the Confeds Cup in June.
Hernandez is the only current Mexican forward with a decent goal-scoring record for his country: 35 in 57 matches.
Peralta has emerged from nowhere as their main goal threat the last few months with four goals in Mexico's last five games - after a career total of only five for Mexico in 20 games previously. 

Mexico are playing a friendly v Finland in San Diego Oct. 30 (US time) to prepare for the NZ games.

Big Pete 65, Christchurch

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

Not ideal in that we have to play anyone, but doable in that we have to face someone. Well, I'm sure many Mexicans are doable, but in this case, the doable is the win at Azteca rather than doing the people.

We will never fully decide who has won the football.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History
hepatitis wrote:

Well, the waiting is over

Lick your lips, we are in for some thrilling excitement.

Panama, Mexico, meh, I dont see much between them at present. History is nothing, repeat nothing,  we know our challenge, are we up for it ??

If we lose the first leg 4 nil, everyone will say it is to be expected, blah blah, and half a stadium will watch us do our best at the cake tin, after all, we are kiwis and we live in hope and dont ever give up

But say we park the bus, and hold them to a 1 goal margin, well, forget the Americas cup, the return leg will be the event of the year, 30 thousand living every kick, pass, tackle, foul, corner, at the Ring of Fire, and the rest of NZ backing them in the pubs, the clubs,  the lounges of the ordinary bloke as well, (they may even have it on the screens on the Cloud for us Aucklanders.)

The fat lady hasnt even sung yet, she is just getting the stage ready, take your seats, or stand if you cant sit still, it is on

I say, bring it on, I'm ready


That's the attitude - never say die!

Here's an epic 1993 Oceania qualification series through CONCACAF and CONMEBOL we can take inspiration from:

http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Socceroo/1993A.html

   I remember back in 1993 Australia almost made the finals against huge odds culminating in a play-off series v Maradona's Argentina:

They had to both win the Oceania play-off v NZ, a play-off v CONCACAF (Canada) and a play-off v a struggling but still threatening Argentina.

Remember that a large number of the Socceroo team in 1993 were merely semi-pros playing in the old NSL with only a handful of pros playing in the UK and Europe.

   Prior to each actual round of qualifiers, Australia were poor to average in friendlies e.g. preparing for the Oceania play-off v NZ,  they lost 3-1 to Kuwait in a friendly in Singapore. Echoes of the current All Whites?

Not a bad NZ side were edged 1-0 in Auckland with Fred de Jong sent off. NZ folded somewhat in Melbourne, losing 3-0

Things got tough for Australia when they lost the first away leg v Canada 2-1 (even Australia's goal was scored by a Canadian). They could only manage 2-1 at home in normal time and after extra time, eventually scraping through on penalties (Mark Schwarzer saved two).

On to more friendlies preparing for the play-off v Argentina: a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss v South Korea in Seoul (Korea weren't as strong then as they are now).

   First leg v Argentina - Sydney October 31 1993:  1-1 (Vidmar; Balbo) "The Argentinian side were considered favourites boasting stars like Maradona, Redondo and Batistuta. However in the first leg Australia held their own and even though Argentina scored first, Australia fought back to level by the end of the first half to provide a great game for the full house at the Sydney Football Stadium. The game was considered by many to be Australia's greatest as they matched strides with their more fancied opponents forcing the result to be achieved in the second leg in Buenos Aires."

  Second leg, Buenos Aires, Argentina - November 17 1993: 0-1 (Tobin o.g.)"The second leg in Buenos Aires was a disappointing result for Australia. Although they matched their opponents for most of the game, the home side driven by a parochial crowd got the result 1-0 only through a speculative cross which bounced in off Alex Tobin for an own goal on 58 mins and they were lucky to advance to USA 94 at the expense of the gallant Socceroos."

Videos v Argentina:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVe9vhr9EkI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mBj07-RGPo

Some years previously, Aussies beat then World Champions Argentina 4-1 in the 1988 Bicentennial tournament with a team of mostly NSL amateur/ semi-pro players:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGQyHB2ABGA

Big Pete 65, Christchurch

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

Just got my ticket back to NZ for the playoff...super excited!!!! Hopefully the tie is still live by the second leg.

I wonder when the rugby head NZ media will catch on to what a big deal this is? Because there will be only a handful of WC playoff games in November and the whole football world will be watching them . This will be huge....wait until you see how many Mexican media are coming down to NZ. Forget rugby or Americas cup.......this is as big as it gets. Little NZ against the mighty Mexico....winner takes it all.

(Actually I had a big LOL over the Americas Cup. Here is Europe it got almost zero publicity until NZ went from 8-1 to lose 8-9. Then everyone..especially the British media had a field day laughing at NZ. One media comment said it was the biggest choke since Monica 
Lewinsky)

We are all hopeful of a miracle....and we can have our dreams. But the nightmare still returns. We are in just as much crisis as Mexico. Old players, players without a club, poor form  loads of injuries etc etc. But the one hope I have that if you want someone to set up a side that will defend, will be tough to break down, who will boringly grind it out then the Oscar goes to Ricki Herbert. We have no pressure as nobody expects us to win....the Mexicans are under immense pressure. The longer we hold them out the more the pressure will grow. We have hope...its a slight hope but its there.....roll on November.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
I would say we have a 5 per cent chance. If it was to happen, we would have to nick a goal away in a 2-1 loss (I can't imagine Mexico scoring less then 2 at home) and somehow defend like crazy at home, scoring from a set piece like last time.


I can imagine Mexico scoring less then 2 at home.  They've been shut out three times at home during the Hexagonal.  Park the bus.  If you have good center backs, and from what little I know about your team, it sounds like you do, you could very well frustrate them for 90 minutes.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Big Pete 65 wrote:
hepatitis wrote:

Well, the waiting is over

Lick your lips, we are in for some thrilling excitement.

Panama, Mexico, meh, I dont see much between them at present. History is nothing, repeat nothing,  we know our challenge, are we up for it ??

If we lose the first leg 4 nil, everyone will say it is to be expected, blah blah, and half a stadium will watch us do our best at the cake tin, after all, we are kiwis and we live in hope and dont ever give up

But say we park the bus, and hold them to a 1 goal margin, well, forget the Americas cup, the return leg will be the event of the year, 30 thousand living every kick, pass, tackle, foul, corner, at the Ring of Fire, and the rest of NZ backing them in the pubs, the clubs,  the lounges of the ordinary bloke as well, (they may even have it on the screens on the Cloud for us Aucklanders.)

The fat lady hasnt even sung yet, she is just getting the stage ready, take your seats, or stand if you cant sit still, it is on

I say, bring it on, I'm ready


That's the attitude - never say die!

Here's an epic 1993 Oceania qualification series through CONCACAF and CONMEBOL we can take inspiration from:

http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Socceroo/1993A.html

   I remember back in 1993 Australia almost made the finals against huge odds culminating in a play-off series v Maradona's Argentina:

They had to both win the Oceania play-off v NZ, a play-off v CONCACAF (Canada) and a play-off v a struggling but still threatening Argentina.

Remember that a large number of the Socceroo team in 1993 were merely semi-pros playing in the old NSL with only a handful of pros playing in the UK and Europe.

   Prior to each actual round of qualifiers, Australia were poor to average in friendlies e.g. preparing for the Oceania play-off v NZ,  they lost 3-1 to Kuwait in a friendly in Singapore. Echoes of the current All Whites?

Not a bad NZ side were edged 1-0 in Auckland with Fred de Jong sent off. NZ folded somewhat in Melbourne, losing 3-0

Things got tough for Australia when they lost the first away leg v Canada 2-1 (even Australia's goal was scored by a Canadian). They could only manage 2-1 at home in normal time and after extra time, eventually scraping through on penalties (Mark Schwarzer saved two).

On to more friendlies preparing for the play-off v Argentina: a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss v South Korea in Seoul (Korea weren't as strong then as they are now).

   First leg v Argentina - Sydney October 31 1993:  1-1 (Vidmar; Balbo) "The Argentinian side were considered favourites boasting stars like Maradona, Redondo and Batistuta. However in the first leg Australia held their own and even though Argentina scored first, Australia fought back to level by the end of the first half to provide a great game for the full house at the Sydney Football Stadium. The game was considered by many to be Australia's greatest as they matched strides with their more fancied opponents forcing the result to be achieved in the second leg in Buenos Aires."

  Second leg, Buenos Aires, Argentina - November 17 1993: 0-1 (Tobin o.g.)"The second leg in Buenos Aires was a disappointing result for Australia. Although they matched their opponents for most of the game, the home side driven by a parochial crowd got the result 1-0 only through a speculative cross which bounced in off Alex Tobin for an own goal on 58 mins and they were lucky to advance to USA 94 at the expense of the gallant Socceroos."

Videos v Argentina:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVe9vhr9EkI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mBj07-RGPo

Some years previously, Aussies beat then World Champions Argentina 4-1 in the 1988 Bicentennial tournament with a team of mostly NSL amateur/ semi-pro players:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGQyHB2ABGA



I think Australia scored first , but I dont remember well,  Australia had good players attacking midfielder Robbie Slater was at Lille playing french and european football and best oceania player of the year.  Farina was a really good and the best of them, didnt play the first leg,was suspended the games vs Canada  I think he scored an overhead kick in Canada in their loss.  Aurelio and Tony Vidmar,  Bosnich, Zelic, Ivanovic, Durakovic, Tobin, Zabica was the keeper in Bs As, Bosnich was injured , they were a team of men, and fighters with some flair, Wade was the captain, Jason Van Blerk was a good lefty midfielder.   Graham Arnold was a big lad, from a Holland team, he didnt scored the many he had in the first leg otherwise they would have eliminated us.  Good side that one from Australia.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Big Pete 65 wrote:
theprof wrote:

won't happen, will be a 0-0 draw, mark my words!

Yeah, even bottom of the final qualifying group Jamaica managed a 0-0 draw in the Azteca.

Other home results in the final round: 0-0 v Costa Rica, 0-0 v USA, 1-2 v Honduras, 2-1 v Panama

Total of seven goals scored in 10 final round qualifiers.


Their problem = strikers who don't score much:  
Mexico have relied on Hernandez as their top goal-scorer in qualifying -and he's suspended for the first leg v NZ  (six goals in 16 qualifying rounds) and he hasn't scored for Mexico since the Confeds Cup in June.

Hernandez is the only current Mexican forward with a decent goal-scoring record for his country: 35 in 57 matches.

Peralta has emerged from nowhere as their main goal threat the last few months with four goals in Mexico's last five games - after a career total of only five for Mexico in 20 games previously. 


Mexico are playing a friendly v Finland in San Diego Oct. 30 (US time) to prepare for the NZ games.



Jamaica could have won that first game, they didnt and morale was down,  they had like 3, very clear to score one from his attacking mifielder from Readint, the # 10 he missed one on the line of goal.... Ricketts the keeper had a good game, big, tall expirienced lad he controlled the timing but got booked for time wasting.   How Many all whites have one yellow card?  Is Moss with one card?  
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago


The key for me is Winston Reid actually playing like a starting EPL center back for the All Whites. He's been rather "meh," lately, IMO.

If he performs well, NZ absolutely have a chance to get a result.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
scc wrote:

This is probably our biggest challenge. Not only do we have to content with >2km altitude and 100,000+ fans... the corruption involved will be immeassurable. From the tv networks, fifa, Brazil etc. The referees will be paid out, and if they don't comply then that will spell the end of their career (or worse)...

We don't really understand corruption in NZ. But in places like Mexico it's simply a way of life. We literally have everything going against us. Sky probably won't even screen the first match...

Bring it on![/quote]

[quote=Seb]

This is arguably one of the hardest tests a New Zealand representative team has ever come across. This is like the equivalent of a world cup final for us against a side that is traditionally regarded as amongst the best footballing nations in the world. I hope corruption stays out of this fixture but you just never know. South/Central America is renowned for it's corruption in politics, law, sport, government etc. The magnitude of this event for Mexico makes you question if there will be external involvement, but lets hope not. 

Where is everyone going to be watching the away leg? Will people go to four kings or something to see this? Depends on the time of day it is shown in Mexico of course.

I can't wait. Win or lose, I'm gonna enjoy the ride!

And the corruption/conspiracy theories continue!

Guys, the FeMexFut's budget must be even bigger than those of Jamaica's, CR's, Honduras' & Panama's federations combined... if we wanted to make use of corruption we would already be qualified, for the money involved it would be to risky await until the play off match.


Mexico right now doesn't have that much problem with the strikers (appart from a Hernandez in very poor form and confidence), the problem is that Mexico has no creativity at all in the midfield, hence why calling up some washed up naturalized Argies (Lobos & Gimenez), but at the striker spot, Jimenez, Hernandez or Peralta or even De Nigris could make the job.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Marto wrote:
AJ13 wrote:
brettdale55 wrote:

I hope our media does a good job of telling the NZ Public, on how hard it will be to beat Mexico in the first leg

and what the players and supporters will be going through at the azteca stadium. Its going to be hell, no NZ

sports team wouldve gone through this.


Also has the all whites ever WON a game against a TOP team in a game that is important. I dont count Bahrain, China

or Australia as a top team. Say the biggest miracle happened and we won in Mexico, surly that has to be the Halberg to

the all whites and not to our boat racing team, or horse riding team or rowers or rugby union team.

Most notable win was probably the one against Serbia in 2010 build up to the WC. Smeltz scored the only goal of the game. Serb supporters lost their shit.



Yeah they did, that was a classic game to be at.  If we're 1-0 up with 10 to go at the Azteca, it might just get burnt to the ground!  I really hope Marco and Wee Mac are played and don't warm the bench for the parked bus.


Marco Rojas will not play, they will break his leg, They tried it with Joel Campbell same style of player like Marco Rojas, he is lefty and played on the right hand side, the mexican players were VERY NASTY AGAINST HIM, BRYAN RUIZ AND BRYAN OVIEDO,  Ruiz got replaced because they injured him
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Azevo wrote:

Not ideal in that we have to play anyone, but doable in that we have to face someone. Well, I'm sure many Mexicans are doable, but in this case, the doable is the win at Azteca rather than doing the people.


Would do.


Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

If this was Mexico of 10 years ago I would be very worried, but this is the Mexico that finished fourth in their group over 10 games. More that enough time to make up for a couple poor games if they were good enough to qualify directly. which they weren't.

Over the last few years we have played Hondorus and Costa Rica and done well against these sides, I see no reason why we can not do the same now.

Mexico's home form is poor at the moment and the expectation on them will be huge, much more so on them than us. 

The pressure might be too much.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

My squad

Glen Moss, Jacob Spoonley, Storm Roux, Leo Bertos, Winston Reid, Michael Fitzgerald, Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Tony Lochhead, Bill Tuiloma, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Chris James, Ivan Vicelich, Dan Keat, Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Cameron Howieson, Marco Rojas, Craig Henderson, Jeremy Brockie, Shane Smeltz & Chris Wood

No thanks

Jake Butler, Cole Peverley, Rory Fallon & Kris Bright



Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
threatD wrote:

No Killen?


Injured


Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
TV wrote:
threatD wrote:

No Killen?


Injured

Oh, I missed that. Damn.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

did anyone else get fucking excited watching the american video from a few pages back? i maybe just me, but that made me wanna go.(not that I can afford it, but hope springs eternal)


I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological. 
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

No Christie ? Are you crazy ?



Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Stretford End wrote:

9 Kiwis on yellow cards

Fuck. Forgot all about Lochead. I hope he doesn't play. Or if he does I hope he gets a second yellow. He was so poor against Jamaica, would hate to see him feature in these two games.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

I've been told by a friend in the states that Mexico are not the team of old and are not impossible to beat at home. They said we should go for the win and will probably grab the points.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:

I've been told by a friend in the states that Mexico are not the team of old and are not impossible to beat at home. They said we should go for the win and will probably grab the points.

 
 We need to attack for sure, if Herbert decides to park the bus we will be hammered.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
TV wrote:

My squad

Glen Moss, Jacob Spoonley, Storm Roux, Leo Bertos, Winston Reid, Michael Fitzgerald, Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Tony Lochhead, Bill Tuiloma, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Chris James, Ivan Vicelich, Dan Keat, Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Cameron Howieson, Marco Rojas, Craig Henderson, Jeremy Brockie, Shane Smeltz & Chris Wood

No thanks

Jake Butler, Cole Peverley, Rory Fallon & Kris Bright


 

Agree with your selections, but how big is the squad? I can definitely see Jake Butler getting in ahead of Michael Fitzgerald.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

This is my first post but I've been following this site for some weeks. 

Anyway, I am a Mexican fan who spent part of the summer exploring Paris with a Kiwi who I now count as a life long friend. I was really hoping Mexico and New Zealand didnt have to play against each other because since the last playoffs when New Zealand played Bahrain I've had a soft spot for the All Whites.

Having said that, if anyone is thinking of going to Mexico City for the playoffs..... Do It!!! The city is amazing, the people are friendly, and being in a historic stadium watching your team play is a once in a lifetime experience. When will New Zealand play in Azteca again. Sure every fan base has their idiots that will throw beer and talk smack, but that's as far as it goes. Wish you guys the best win or lose.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

Lonegunmen, Mexico are no where near the team they were last year. The team is playing with a lot of pressure that has been building as qualifying has progressed. The worst thing NZ could do is attack mexico in Mexico City and leave spaces for Mexico to build up play. NZ's best bet is to park the bus in the first half and make the pressure get to Mexico. The team is currently shot mentally. If things dont go right from the get go, the team becomes paralyzed and they start making mistakes. 

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
TV wrote:

My squad

Glen Moss, Jacob Spoonley, Storm Roux, Leo Bertos, Winston Reid, Michael Fitzgerald, Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Tony Lochhead, Bill Tuiloma, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Chris James, Ivan Vicelich, Dan Keat, Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Cameron Howieson, Marco Rojas, Craig Henderson, Jeremy Brockie, Shane Smeltz & Chris Wood

No thanks

Jake Butler, Cole Peverley, Rory Fallon & Kris Bright




If everyone is available and injury free

GK  Moss, Spoonley, Williams or Jake Gleeson

DF  Reid Smith  Durante Sigmund Boxall  Lochead Bertos Tuiloma

MD Vicellich Keat McGlinchey Rojas Clapham James Henderson Payne or Howieson

ST  Brockie Wood Barbarouses Smeltz Fallon Killen

Boxall as a center defender back up  needed strong and also can play right back

Herbert will call up a strong team 25 players at least

Howieson and Payne are too young as Tuiloma. 
Bertos will play right back or left back if needed
Vicellich can play at the back as libero
James and Henderson they have experience better that Payne and Howieson for this time.
Hogg out of first leg, does he got a team to play?


Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

Javier. Tuiloma has been confirmed already by Ricki. I would be amazed if Howieson and Payne miss out. Yes they are young, but they're AW regulars.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago

Makes sense to include Payne, Howieson and Tuiloma in the squad.  All have considerable WC experience at age-group level together for NZ (U17 & U20). All three also currently playing as professionals in UK/Europe.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Four Legs Good wrote:

Lonegunmen, Mexico are no where near the team they were last year. The team is playing with a lot of pressure that has been building as qualifying has progressed. The worst thing NZ could do is attack mexico in Mexico City and leave spaces for Mexico to build up play. NZ's best bet is to park the bus in the first half and make the pressure get to Mexico. The team is currently shot mentally. If things dont go right from the get go, the team becomes paralyzed and they start making mistakes. 



Great review, Yes couldnt allow the mexican for swift counterattacks coming from turnovers and gave aways.  Mexico is divided because of the big money involved in football, as a journalist i can tell you that some comes from the private money and some from drug lords.  We have beaten Mexico for fun for the last 20 years, thanks to golden boys Batistuta, Redondo, Canniggia and Messi, but they are really hard to beat at home, and they will be very nasty against the talented youngsters that you have.  As this fellow says they are under big pressure from the joe public and from the networks, money and advertisements money. 

If NZ  team park the bus only, Mexico will get a victory as they did the last 2 times 2-0 in 2010 and 3-0 last time round.  Unless they are not able to score that 1st goal,  the key goal, If thats the case, this good man from Mexico is telling you the truth, and the images of perplexed mexican players that we watched yesterday vs Costa Rica will happen again.  This is an unexpected situation for México anyway, the pressure on them is more than huge, and yes they have called some argentinians and brazilians to the team, former Boca player , Gimenez but I think he is over 30 years old at least, he is no spring chicken at all.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Mexican announcer goes berserk as USA saves Mexico’s World Cup bid

Worth a listen!!!


Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 
20/5/20

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
ThreeFourThree wrote:

Makes sense to include Payne, Howieson and Tuiloma in the squad.  All have considerable WC experience at age-group level together for NZ (U17 & U20). All three also currently playing as professionals in UK/Europe.



Yes, my good friend but this is other thing, this is not league club football, I think Herbert will trust the old guard for the away game, the pressure could eat those youngsters alive.  Thet call it a "baptism of fire".  Maybe Payne and Howieson will feature if someone is injured, i mean Rojas or Howieson, James or Payne
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
JAVIER16 wrote:
ThreeFourThree wrote:

Makes sense to include Payne, Howieson and Tuiloma in the squad.  All have considerable WC experience at age-group level together for NZ (U17 & U20). All three also currently playing as professionals in UK/Europe.



Yes, my good friend but this is other thing, this is not league club football, I think Herbert will trust the old guard for the away game, the pressure could eat those youngsters alive.  Thet call it a "baptism of fire".  Maybe Payne and Howieson will feature if someone is injured, i mean Rojas or Howieson, James or Payne

Squad will likely be 22 and trust when we say Tuiloma, Howieson & Payne will be there Javier. It's a given really


Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
JAVIER16 wrote:
TV wrote:

My squad

Glen Moss, Jacob Spoonley, Storm Roux, Leo Bertos, Winston Reid, Michael Fitzgerald, Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Tony Lochhead, Bill Tuiloma, Michael McGlinchey, Aaron Clapham, Chris James, Ivan Vicelich, Dan Keat, Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Cameron Howieson, Marco Rojas, Craig Henderson, Jeremy Brockie, Shane Smeltz & Chris Wood

No thanks

Jake Butler, Cole Peverley, Rory Fallon & Kris Bright




If everyone is available and injury free

GK  Moss, Spoonley, Williams or Jake Gleeson

DF  Reid Smith  Durante Sigmund Boxall  Lochead Bertos Tuiloma

MD Vicellich Keat McGlinchey Rojas Clapham James Henderson Payne or Howieson

ST  Brockie Wood Barbarouses Smeltz Fallon Killen

Boxall as a center defender back up  needed strong and also can play right back

Herbert will call up a strong team 25 players at least

Howieson and Payne are too young as Tuiloma. 
Bertos will play right back or left back if needed
Vicellich can play at the back as libero
James and Henderson they have experience better that Payne and Howieson for this time.
Hogg out of first leg, does he got a team to play?


Lochhead is too slow now and Bertos is still best as a forward, not a back. Either Tuiloma and Roux should be at right back, they may be young but they are the kind of engine rooms we're going to need In Mexico City. They also move quickly into offense, which is what we need to do - defend in depth and play the breakaway game to try and score an away goal (or two). Sigmund's mental discipline is too suspect to risk in a hot house atmosphere. I'd prefer Hogg in the squad as another defensive option.

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Four Legs Good wrote:

Lonegunmen, Mexico are no where near the team they were last year. The team is playing with a lot of pressure that has been building as qualifying has progressed. The worst thing NZ could do is attack mexico in Mexico City and leave spaces for Mexico to build up play. NZ's best bet is to park the bus in the first half and make the pressure get to Mexico. The team is currently shot mentally. If things dont go right from the get go, the team becomes paralyzed and they start making mistakes. 

3 - 0 All Whites. Done deal.

"At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive...

I'll take my chance because luck is on my side or something...

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand...

Oh Rio, Rio, hear them shout across the land..."

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago


Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
nufc_nz wrote:

I'm loving this war between us, the USA supporters and the Mexican supporters. These forums have never been so exciting. Remember this day fellas. 16/10/2013. The day where the world is actually interested in NZ football. The day where while the sun is shining so bright, Ricki Herbert and his men gear up for battle knowing they may never return. The day where Dewhurst is shitting himself with anticipation while frantically studying the team sheets. The day where NZF is chewing their fingernails while looking at the piggy bank. The day where thousands of New Zealanders are double checking their tickets for the return leg. The day where some are even booking a flight to Mexico. The day where SKY are dreading having to shell out more money for football. The day where the NZ media doesn't give a shit.

*lights cigar*  Godspeed you incredible bastards. Godspeed.

 

Post of the year.

 

I know our chances are not great. But I'm still buzzing for these games big time!

Have tickets for Wellington and if I didn't have a wedding to pay for next year I'd be booking up a trip to Mexico.

All Whites | Phoenix | Baggies

Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:

I've been told by a friend in the states that Mexico are not the team of old and are not impossible to beat at home. They said we should go for the win and will probably grab the points.


Mexico only had one win at home in the final round of qualifying, and that only happened due to a crazy 85th minute bicycle kick.  0-0 should be a realistic result.  The longer they go without scoring, the more their fans will turn on them.  If you guy can somehow nick a goal, all hell will break lose.
Permalink Permalink
over 12 years ago
RidiculousLichaj wrote:
Lonegunmen wrote:

I've been told by a friend in the states that Mexico are not the team of old and are not impossible to beat at home. They said we should go for the win and will probably grab the points.


Mexico only had one win at home in the final round of qualifying, and that only happened due to a crazy 85th minute bicycle kick.  0-0 should be a realistic result.  The longer they go without scoring, the more their fans will turn on them.  If you guy can somehow nick a goal, all hell will break lose.



Yes thats why i would play a mobile forward( wood) that can move from right to left, he is dynamic, tall, fast and a guy like fallon to be the target man to flick around,  in a 4-4-2,  or maybe barbarouses doing the mobile thing and wood being the target man.  The thing is harder for mexican players to handle a player like wood, if he plays as a side by side forward, they are use to players like Rojas and Barbarouses BELIEVE ME, but guys like Fallon are really very handful for them, I dont know the status of Killen and Smeltz, but they are use to that forward type... Striker like of wood and fallon could be hard to deal
Permalink Permalink