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Very intriguing. Wonder if Nayler and Hasset will leave NCAA for this. RT @NZ_Football Women's league shifts focus http://bit.ly/biTfH82 years ago from web
The NZ futsal team (Futsal Whites) take on the Solomons in their first match at the OFC Champs in Suva on Mon http://bit.ly/cRZj812 years ago from web
RT @windrainphoenix: All Whites v Paraguay officially confirmed for Oct 12 in NZ. RT: @NZ_Football: http://bit.ly/9bHSkH2 years ago from HootSuite
All Whites gear up for road-ready Mexico
May 30, 2011
DENVER, USA – All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says Thursday’s international against a Mexico side just days away from their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign is exactly the type and size of challenge his players relish.
Unbeaten in their last six matches, El Tricolour head into the 12 nation tournament as slight favourites, ahead of hosts USA, to defend their North & Central American title and qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
New Zealand’s eyes are also on Brazil, but with Confederations and World Cup qualifiers not starting for the All Whites until next year, Herbert is at the early stages of constructing the core of his 2014 squad.
“The build ups are chalk and cheese really,” Herbert said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us. Playing a team at the level of Mexico with what they achieved at the World Cup and what they’re doing now is a massive challenge.”
While Herbert wasn’t due to name his side until Wednesday (NZT), he indicated he would “roll the dice a little bit” by giving starts to a couple of newer players.
“The list is pretty clear now. We’re eight or nine short from the World Cup squad [through injury and retirement] so that’s big for us in anyone’s language.
“But I’ve always said that gives opportunities to others. But these guys will relish the chance to be out there. It’s going to be tough for them, it’ll be a big night, but we’ve done it before and we’ll continue to do it.”
Mexico will be without Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez for the match at Denver’s Invesco Field. ‘Chicarito’ will join the day after the squad in time for the June 5 Gold Cup opener against El Salvador after featuring in the UEFA Champions League final in London on Saturday.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 at 2pm, Thursday (NZT).
Football International
Mexico v New Zealand
INVESCO Field at Mile High
Denver, USA
8pm, June 1, 2011 (2pm, June 2 NZT)
Live on Sky Sport 1
New Zealand (from): Jake GLEESON (GK), Glen MOSS (GK), Mark PASTON (GK), Andrew BOYENS, Michael BOXALL, Michael FITZGERALD, Winston REID, Ben SIGMUND, Ivan VICELICH, Jeremy BROCKIE, Tim BROWN, Aaron CLAPHAM, Simon ELLIOTT, David MULLIGAN, Michael McGLINCHEY, Kosta BARBAROUSES, Craig HENDERSON, Chris KILLEN, Shane SMELTZ, Chris WOOD.
Mexico (from): Alfredo TALAVERA (GK), Guillermo OCHOA (GK), Jonathan Orozco (GK), Edgar DUENAS, Ricardo OSORIO, Jorge TORRES NILO, Efrain JUAREZ, Rafael MARQUEZ (c), Francisco Javier RODRIGUEZ, Hector MORENO, Carlos SALCIDO, Gerardo TORRADO, Antonio NAELSON, Christian BERMUDEZ, Jesus Zavala, Israel CASTRO, Andres GUARDADO, Angel REYNA, Aldo de NIGRIS, Elias HERNANDEZ, Giovanni DOS SANTOS, Pablo BARRERA.
Coach: José Manuel de la TORRE
