Wake-up call for All Whites
National side have three days to get up to speed after looking off the pace against Russia
After perhaps a fitful night’s sleep, the All Whites will wake this morning with a greater understanding of the realities of life on the big stage. June in St Petersburg is a surreal experience — it’s so far north, it’s still light close to midnight and never really gets dark.
That doesn’t help the players’ prospects for a restful night, especially after such a chastening loss.
It wasn’t so much yesterday’s unsurprising result against Russia but more the manner of the 2-0 defeat.
With the focus of the footballing world upon them, this young All Whites squad fluffed their lines. After so much talk about “making history” and having “no fear”, New Zealand was dealt a lesson in the spectacular Krestovsky Arena.
There was no lack of effort or spirit but the composure and execution weren’t really there. The New Zealand coaching staff also got their tactics wrong — and a couple of selections — which made it much easier for the hosts than it should have been.
The net result was that instead of a head-turning performance, in a similar vein to Iceland at last year’s European Championships, it was all perspiration and little inspiration.
This Russian team are in transition and were under immense pressure to perform on home soil, but the All Whites couldn’t take advantage.
“Unfortunately it was probably a good opportunity missed,” said All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. “We started the game a bit nervy and then we conceded a bit easy.”
Now, after a training and recovery session in St Petersburg, the All Whites face a 2500km journey south, where they will face Mexico in Sochi on Thursday morning (NZT).
It’s an intimidating prospect. While New Zealand had an encouraging display in a friendly against El Tri last year, losing 2-1, Mexico will be a different proposition this week.
They have a much stronger squad and with around 300 Mexican media in Russia, the largest contingent of any country, a strong performance is mandatory. There won’t be any mercy for the underdogs and Mexico’s ability to keep possession will offer a stiff test.
Coach Anthony Hudson is likely to make some personnel changes, a reflection of both form and fitness. Expect rotation among the wing backs — both Kip Colvey and Deklan Wynne were below par, and the physical demands of that position are huge. The midfield dynamic is also likely to change and Themi Tzimopoulos could add experience to the back three.
Hudson also hinted at a more aggressive approach. New Zealand were passive in possession and also lacked combativeness in the tackle. It’s something past All Whites sides have always had — from the days of Duncan Cole and Steve Sumner, to Chris Jackson and Ryan Nelsen.
While football has become more sophisticated, there is still a place for physicality, especially to unsettle a much higher-ranked opponent.
However, there are some reasons for hope. The pace of the game looked a shock yesterday, but the adjustment won’t be as great on Thursday. And the All Whites were much better in possession in the second half.
“We’ve done well against Mexico in the past and there is a result to be had there,” said Marinovic. “We will shake off this one and come out stronger.”