Vs Mexico 1st Leg Thurs 14th 9:30am SS2

Been think about this for a while, and despite what I've said about him in the past, I reckon Fallon needs to start. The opposition and scenario is made for him. I'd shape it up like this:

                                      Moss

Bertos            Durante               Smith                   Lochhead

                 McGlicnhy       Vicelich         James

Brockie                                                                     Kosta

                                        Fallon

Play for corners and freekicks and try take advantage of the space left by their wingbacks. 

3 holding midfielder as I just don't 2 is enough esp with Vicelich's ageing legs. They need to win tackles, protect our fullbacks, and pump it long and early. 

Brockie and Kosta in there is provide decent wide delivery, pace, and some defensive ability. 

Bertos and Lochhead to hold. Defend, tackle, play the channels early.

 3 central mids that move and shield able to play a bit,  and cover the flanks , 

NZ NEEDS TO PLAY 4-5-1  with width from the flanks counter attacks, and a lone striker at altitude,  3 central mids that move and shield able to play a bit,  and cover the flanks , 

Sounds good. Where do we get them from?

From the Herald. More great stuff from #SirRicki

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The All Whites could take the field on Thursday with a radically reshaped defensive unit.

Winston Reid's withdrawal not only robbed the team of their best player and captain, it also created a significant headache for the New Zealand brains trust.

The central back three was set in stone - Tommy Smith marking on the left, Reid on the right and Andrew Durante mopping up just behind. Now tinkering is needed.

Ben Sigmund could yet come in as a straight swap for Reid, but yesterday's training suggested another solution is in the offing.

For most of the session Ivan Vicelich was playing in the sweeper-type role with Durante as a marker alongside Smith. Jeremy Christie, who hasn't had a club for most of the past two years, took Vicelich's usual spot in central midfield alongside Michael McGlinchey.

Playing Christie would appear to be a major gamble, but Herbert has been impressed with his output since he came back into the fold in the past few months and the 30-year-old could perform a close marking role in midfield.

Whether Herbert goes for Sigmund or Vicelich at the back, the All Whites will struggle to contain Mexico.

Reid was the quickest NZ defender and neither of the two replacement options is blessed with pace.

The other conundrum comes up front, in what Herbert admits may be his toughest decision.

It's the one where the All Whites have genuine options and at this stage Chris Wood, Jeremy Brockie and Kosta Barbarouses are believed to have the inside running.

However, it would be hard to leave Marco Rojas out, given his obvious talent, while Shane Smeltz has been at the centre of many of the big moments in recent years. Rory Fallon's aerial prowess and presence is also a wildcard.

Objectively, Ricki can do what he likes - he is already striding off into the sunset like a boss. Made one WC and "well we will never know how we would have gone if we'd had Winston"

The 'Gang of 82' run the game and mark my words, after this is done, you will see FVH as chairman, FDJ as CEO, RH as HP director and BT will stay as manager. They will fuck the game for years to come cause they look after each other. It's whispered everywhere.

I'm gonna stick my feet up, watch the train wreck with sweet sorrow of what might have been and wait for the next international sometime in 2015.

http://www.latinospost.com/articles/31371/20131111/mexico-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-2014-playoffs-why-kiwis.htm

that's right LATINOS POST says New Zealand can win it.....the mexican crowd have a mean streak of cynical disbelief in their team!!

If it's any consultation, I had a dream last night that Christie was playing and we were drawing 1-1

http://www.latinospost.com/articles/31371/20131111/mexico-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-2014-playoffs-why-kiwis.htm

that's right LATINOS POST says New Zealand can win it.....the mexican crowd have a mean streak of cynical disbelief in their team!!

I had a dream fallon scored a sweet bicycle like he did once in the UK. /believe

There's a kinda circular thing in all this. Who's Winnie's mate in the NZ camp? Who's Winnie's occasional London room-mate? Who might gain game-time in Mehico and Wngtn. as a result of his injury?

Answer: One Jeremy Christie.

Look no further.

Objectively, Ricki can do what he likes - he is already striding off into the sunset like a boss. Made one WC and "well we will never know how we would have gone if we'd had Winston"

The 'Gang of 82' run the game and mark my words, after this is done, you will see FVH as chairman, FDJ as CEO, RH as HP director and BT will stay as manager. They will fuck the game for years to come cause they look after each other. It's whispered everywhere.

I'm gonna stick my feet up, watch the train wreck with sweet sorrow of what might have been and wait for the next international sometime in 2015.

Objectively, Ricki can do what he likes - he is already striding off into the sunset like a boss. Made one WC and "well we will never know how we would have gone if we'd had Winston"

The 'Gang of 82' run the game and mark my words, after this is done, you will see FVH as chairman, FDJ as CEO, RH as HP director and BT will stay as manager. They will fuck the game for years to come cause they look after each other. It's whispered everywhere.

I'm gonna stick my feet up, watch the train wreck with sweet sorrow of what might have been and wait for the next international sometime in 2015.

Objectively, Ricki can do what he likes - he is already striding off into the sunset like a boss. Made one WC and "well we will never know how we would have gone if we'd had Winston"

The 'Gang of 82' run the game and mark my words, after this is done, you will see FVH as chairman, FDJ as CEO, RH as HP director and BT will stay as manager. They will fuck the game for years to come cause they look after each other. It's whispered everywhere.

I'm gonna stick my feet up, watch the train wreck with sweet sorrow of what might have been and wait for the next international sometime in 2015.

Objectively, Ricki can do what he likes - he is already striding off into the sunset like a boss. Made one WC and "well we will never know how we would have gone if we'd had Winston"

The 'Gang of 82' run the game and mark my words, after this is done, you will see FVH as chairman, FDJ as CEO, RH as HP director and BT will stay as manager. They will fuck the game for years to come cause they look after each other. It's whispered everywhere.

I'm gonna stick my feet up, watch the train wreck with sweet sorrow of what might have been and wait for the next international sometime in 2015.

At least he seems to be backing himself and picking a team to play the way he wants to. Better than trying to implement someone elses game plan, which I feel he has been trying to do over the last 3 years. I am perplexed as to what form, or even condition, Christie will be in but I guess I can find out soon. Either way we need a miracle, expectations of an upset are low.

having met a couple of Plodder's friends in South Africa (a couple of smoking hot american girls who were there to support him) I think that he can play where the fuck he wants.  I am picking him to score a hattie in the first leg.

http://www.latinospost.com/articles/31371/20131111/mexico-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-2014-playoffs-why-kiwis.htm

that's right LATINOS POST says New Zealand can win it.....the mexican crowd have a mean streak of cynical disbelief in their team!!