Herald on Sunday journalist Michael Burgess answers three key questions about the All Whites World Cup playoff match against Mexico tomorrow morning.
Just how much will altitude factor into tomorrow's equation?
Massively. Having arrived on the same flight as the team last night, I was already feeling the effects just walking around the City today. Obviously they are high performance athletes, but altitude spares no one. Even the Mexicans will begin to feel it, especially at the end of the match, though not nearly as much.
The altitude seems the number one factor as it will inhibit the All Whites high energy, defensive game. It's hard enough to keep running when you don't have the ball for long periods but another story when you are 2300m above sea level. The first 30 minutes are crucial, both physically and mentally, and coach Ricki Herbert will also need to use his substitutes extremely well late in the match.
What do you predict the All Whites' tactics to be?
Not vastly different to the pattern over recent years. Lots of players behind the ball, direct play on attack and maximise set piece opportunities. It won't be pretty - well not unless Marco Rojas comes on. In their rare forays forward, they will try to exploit the pace of Kosta Barbarouses and Jeremy Brockie.
What is the mood in Mexico City tonight?
