Tactics the key to Oly Whites upsetting favoured home team

The Oly Whites have no fear ahead of their daunting quarter-final football matchup against Japan today, according to coach Danny Hay

The New Zealand side have been hugely impressive in their campaign, with the 0-0 draw against Romania to seal qualification for the knock out stages their most mature display yet.

But Japan will be another matter. The host nation have looked imperious, with a 100 per cent record in group play, highlighted by a 4-0 demolition of France.

The scale of New Zealand’s task is reflected in the TAB odds, with the Oly Whites $13 outsiders.

But Hay is bullish, saying that the team “won’t die wondering”.

“It’s an opportunity — all the pressure is on the Japanese,” said Hay. “Home nation, expected to win a gold or go very close. They are a good team . . . but we can have a crack at them.

“We don’t want to be hopping on that plane — whenever that is — with ‘what ifs’. We are one game away from playing for a medal.”

Hay drew comparisons with the South Korea match, where New Zealand was widely written off as 8-1 outsiders, but came away with a surprise 1-0 win, built on a solid tactical plan and some timely counterattacking. That result has been put in context since, with the Asian team baring their teeth against Romania (4-0) and Honduras (6-0).

The Japanese have been analysed in depth and Hay said getting the tactics spot on would be key. It will be a difficult balance, between trying to take the initiative, while also respecting Japan’s technical prowess and pace.

The Oly Whites will have to be cast iron defensively, but will also need spells in possession, to avert the danger of being overwhelmed.

“We will have to be supremely organised,” said Hay.

Winston Reid took part in some light training drills yesterday and will face a fitness test this morning. Hay said the 33-year-old was desperate to play’ but rated his chances of taking the field at only 20 per cent after the knee injury he suffered against Honduras.

“He is slowly getting better but we are still no closer to making a decision about whether he can play or not,” said Hay.

There is concern over fatigue, with today’s match their fourth game in 10 days.

New Zealand hasn’t had the luxury of resting key men, with Joe Bell, Liberato Cacace and Chris Wood having played every minute, so managing workloads will be key.