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Mexico vs. New Zealand: Biggest Keys in 1st Leg of World Cup Qualifying Playoff
Published: November 12, 2013
The inter-confederation playoff matchup starts with a clash at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday before a rematch in New Zealand next week. Getting off to a good start at home is paramount to El Tri's chances after a rocky CONCACAF qualifying cycle.
Ultimately, Mexico should emerge from the playoff with a berth in the World Cup, but it also shouldn't have needed to reach this stage to begin with. It must elevate its level of play in order to leave those prior frustrations in the past and secure a trip to Brazil.
Knowing that, let's examine the biggest key for each national team in the first leg.
Mexico: Build Chemistry After Shift in Philosophy
Manager Miguel Herrera was forced to make a tough decision ahead of the playoff. He either had to call up his most talented 23 players, causing a heavy travel schedule and limited practice time for those playing in Europe, or go with a domestic squad. He chose the latter
It's a decision that comes with plenty of risk. A Mexican squad without the likes of former stalwarts Javier Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Hector Moreno lacks the star power associated with El Tri at their peak.
Yet by going with a squad that only includes players based in Mexico, including 10 from Club America, the process of building chemistry should be easier. That's important, because it's always a major hurdle when players from clubs around the globe come together for one or two matches at a time.
As the roster is currently constructed, Mexico is going to lean heavily on Oribe Peralta. The in-form striker has scored in three straight matches and five of the past six for El Tri...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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