The All Whites are well versed in demanding travel schedules but what they are about to undertake over the next two weeks is at the extreme end of the scale.

The fact that five Phoenix All Whites are playing this evening, a few hours before they fly to North America, is ridiculous.

With the timing and circumstances of Winston Reid's withdrawal from the All Whites after injuring an ankle in training, it is easy to get carried away with hyperbole but Ivan Vicelich provides some context.

Michael Burgess answers three questions on the implications of Winston Reid's withdrawal from the All Whites side this morning ahead of the playoff with Mexico.

The All Whites have suffered a major blow with captain Winston Reid ruled out of the World Cup playoff against Mexico next week.

There's a lot riding on these World Cup finals qualifiers, beginning with the high-altitude clash in Mexico in seven days time, writes Chris Rattue.