Reasons to believe in a NZ miracle

Weather

Wellington weather is unpredictable, and if the wind blows it can be hellish for visiting teams. Especially at Westpac Stadium, where the design and proximity to the harbour can create a wicked, swirling effect. Peru’s finesse could be compromised in a gale. Peru have been dogged by ill-fortune and bad luck over the past few decades, and have constantly fallen short and been beset by scandals. Getting past the 122nd-ranked team in the world for a place in the World Cup should be relatively straight forward, but Peru fans won’t believe it until it happens.

Chris Wood

Some of the best defences in the English Premier League haven’t been able to stop Wood. He can hurt opposition teams in many ways, as he has a powerful shot off either foot, is strong in the air and has a poacher’s instinct in the box.

Best All Whites since...

Arguably the best All Whites XI since the 2010 World Cup. Reid, Tommy Smith and Michael Boxall compare favourably with any central defensive trio since that tournament, while Ryan Thomas is already one of the most polished midfielders in a generation. Chris Wood is in career best form.

Peru pressure

Although there are playing it down, the pressure on Peru will be unbearable. The nation has waited 35 years to return to a World Cup, which has been a source of great angst and despair in the Andean country. It’s not even close to New Zealand’s 24-year drought between Rugby World Cup trophies.

Long haul travel

Peru have never had to travel this far for a game of football. While circling the globe is standard practice for the All Whites, Peru’s matches are usually confined to South America.Lorem

Winston Reid

The presence of Reid adds immensely to the All Whites’s belief, and their defensive strength. Due to various factors he’s played only five international games in the last three years. He is motivated to perform on a big stage in front of New Zealand fans.

Guerrero factor No 2

Paolo Guerrero’s suspension caused shockwaves in Peru. He is the heart and soul of the team and a truly world class player. He is their all time leading scorer and captain. Peru have other capable strikers, but no one like El Deperedor

(The Predator)