The All Whites take on Mexico tomorrow morning in Mexico City in the first leg of their World Cup play-off. Steve Hepburn talks to three Otago football personalities and gets their predictions on what may happen over the next week.
Otago Daily Times football writer
What is going to happen in Mexico?
Mexico is a whole lot stronger than a lot of people think. I would like to think we can keep it tight, but I'm a wee bit pessimistic. If we can come away with a draw then we might be able to get something back here. But it is going to be very tough over there.
Who is the key man for the All Whites?
Jeremy Brockie is a guy who has hit form of late and has been playing really well. He came through with me and is a born goalscorer. But I'm not sure whether he will get a run.
Score prediction: I would hope a 0-0 draw in Mexico. Then back here it will be 2-1 to us. That is a loyalty vote, though.
Southern United coach
What is going to happen in Mexico?
I think it is going to be a tough watch, to be honest. Mexico has beaten Uruguay recently. But we have got a good history with defending in away legs. All our best players in the last World Cup were defenders.
Who is the key man for the All Whites?
I hope he [coach Ricki Herbert] has a bit of faith in his younger players. They are coming along well. [Marco] Rojas is a talented young player who did not get many starts here but has done well when he went to Australia.
Score prediction: I would say 3-0 to Mexico over there and maybe a 0-0 draw back here. But how that second game goes will depend very much on what happens in that first match.
Football South general manager
What is going to happen in Mexico?
We are going to be up against it. But if there was any time you would want to play Mexico then this would be it. They are ranked 24th in the world but that is probably not where they should be.
To me, the more we are the underdog then the better we perform. But losing Winston Reid is without a doubt a big loss. We need to play for a draw, but it is going to be real backs-to-the-wall sort of stuff.
Who is the key man for the All Whites: To me it is the goalkeeper. If he can put on an inspiring performance then the guys in front of him will grow in confidence. You still want to attack if you can, so someone like Rojas is a key man there. But it really comes down to the goalkeeper. He has to get off his line and command the penalty area.
Score prediction: I would go with a 0-0 draw in Mexico and then 2-1 to the All Whites in Wellington.
