One hundred days out from the football World Cup and an
under-strength New Zealand enter the last phase of
preparation with their first buildup match, against Mexico in
California tomorrow (NZT).
With the World Cup opening match on June 10 drawing ever
nearer, especially for Mexico who take on hosts South Africa
in that very match in Johannesburg, the milestone has not
slipped by New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert.
"It's countdown time now," Herbert said.
"The reality of the World Cup is not far away."
Tickets for the Pasadena-hosted international friendly which
kicks off at 5pm (NZT) have been snapped up fast - a crowd of
80,000 is now expected - and the shadow of a past World Cup
climax at the same venue is only heightening the sense of
occasion.
"The Rose Bowl is steeped in history - it's hosted a World
Cup final," Herbert said.
"There's talk of over 70,000 people being there tomorrow
night so it should be a good place to be."
Herbert is predicting a stern examination of his team by a
Mexican outfit fielding their full squad for the first time
in 2010.
With new faces in the All Whites squad and World Cup places
up for grabs he expects to see some players make strong cases
for a seat on the plane to South Africa.
Without the service of defenders Ryan Nelsen and Ivan
Vicelich, Herbert has already signalled former England
age-group defender Tommy Smith should start the match in the
heart of defence.
Nelsen, the captain of Blackburn Rovers in England's Premier
League, has a hyperextended right knee while Vicelich, who
leads New Zealand in all-time appearances with 65, is
suspended.
Uncapped midfielders Chad Coombes and Jason Hayne should see
some time on the pitch against the World No 17 ranked team.
"It's a massive game. It's a tough one for the players but a
good one," Herbert said.
"We've brought some players in we need to look at, and we can
use six substitutes including a goalkeeper for this match so
we may have to use all of those.
"It would have been nice to have the full squad here, and
given what we're facing it'll be a baptism of fire for some
of the players but in the long run it won't do them any harm.
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