Football Pink

  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

New Zealand hope for big slice of luck in pursuit of a third World Cup finals

Pink by Pink
January 8, 2021
in Latest, Nostalgia, World
New Zealand hope for big slice of luck in pursuit of a third World Cup finals

BY CRAIG STEPHEN

This weekend’s first leg World Cup qualifier in Wellington, and the return leg in midweek in Lima, will reveal how much the All Whites have come under English coach Anthony Hudson.

The likelihood, and predictions, are that play-off opponents Peru have far too much of an all-round game for New Zealand, even without suspended captain and star striker Paolo Guerrero, but there’s hope that the Oceania champions are holding back their best for the fifth-best South American team in the qualifiers.

That hope seems partly based on the Peruvians failure to qualify for the World Cup finals since 1982 – even New Zealand have appeared on the global stage since then – and that no one Down Under really knows who they are. Better them than the risky Argentinians or tricky Colombians and Chileans who could have been their foes the universal cry has been, from the team management to the fanbase. Hell, there’s even some talk that the long trek from Lima to New Zealand might affect the Peruvians. As if the return journey won’t impact upon the All Whites!

If that is the actual thinking, then New Zealand could be in for two testy evenings. Peru are a top ten-ranked side with a better record this year than their continental rivals, including the one with Messi and co. A team that has faced down the volatility of crowds in Buenos Aires, Bogota and Rio de Janeiro is unlikely to find the relative passivity of 38,000 mainly white-shirted fans in Wellington a daunting prospect.

But Peru’s lack of experience at the highest level in the past 35 years is less about skill than competition. Even Bolivia and Venezuela, South America’s weakest sides, are far tougher foes than the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.

New Zealand qualified for the 2010 finals in South Africa on the back of a merited victory over Bahrain, and left unbeaten having drawn against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. That success has, however, been followed by a return to relative mediocrity, including a heavy two-legged defeat to Mexico four years ago at this same stage and three defeats in this year’s Confederations Cup, albeit against three top sides in Russia, Mexico and Portugal. The way the Portuguese toyed with them in the final group match in Russia suggests they are far short of quality at this level; the way they battled hard against Mexico and showed glimpses of class against the Russians also suggests that they are a side that won’t let a bigger reputation frighten them off.

To see off the higher-ranked Peruvians, the All Whites will need to be at their very best, and face a Peruvian side that have already peaked by playing 18 South American qualifying games, and have little left.

Lowly-ranked sides such as Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have exposed the All Whites’ lack of pace and natural skill, so what hope have they against a side full of overseas-based professionals? The New Zealanders will need to utilise their best assets, use of set pieces, get the ball to Burnley’s big man Chris Wood, upset the Peruvians’ pace and bully their opponents from the get-go. Hudson needs to adeptly use substitutes for maximum effect, the reason, therefore, why he has brought back two veterans, Rory Fallon and Jeremy Brockie after over a year in the international wilderness. Hudson also needs to let the most talented player among the squad, Marco Rojas, let loose on the Peruvians.

If all the best the New Zealanders can muster – West Ham’s Winston Reid, Ryan Thomas, Michael McGlinchey etc – can avoid injury and hit top form twice in four days, the All Whites could be on their way for a third, improbable appearance at the sport’s premier tournament. A big slice of luck may also be required.

FOLLOW CRAIG ON TWITTER @Porkysprimecut

Related Posts

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers
Latest

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers

Wednesday 16th December 1987 FA Cup Second Round (Third Replay) Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers Programme Price: 50p It's...

by Gareth Thomas
April 8, 2022
0
Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward
Latest

Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

“What is taken to the cup final every year but never used?” This used to be a quasi-famous trick...

by David Nesbit
April 5, 2022
0
Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw
Latest

Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

So, England got a bye to the last 16 of the World Cup - apparently. Being drawn against Iran,...

by Chris Darwen
April 4, 2022
0
‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview
Interviews

‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

Willie Morgan is a Manchester United and Scotland legend. The winger, twice Manchester United player of the year, is...

by James Edginton
April 2, 2022
0
Load More
Next Post

The Football Pink Issue 18 podcast

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers
Latest

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers

by Gareth Thomas
April 8, 2022
0
0

Wednesday 16th December 1987 FA Cup Second Round (Third Replay) Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers Programme Price: 50p It's Friday,...

Read more
Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

April 5, 2022
0
Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

April 4, 2022
0
‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

April 2, 2022
0
Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

March 31, 2022
0

© 2020 footballpink.net

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.