Football: Changes expected for All Whites side to face Mexico

New Zealand players practice during a training session at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia. Photo / AP

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson is likely to make changes to his starting XI for the match against Mexico on Wednesday (Thursday morning NZT).

There could be up to three alterations from the team that lost 2-0 to Russia on Sunday, for reasons of both fitness and form.

Bill Tuiloma appears set to come back into the side, to play in the problematic defensive midfielder position.

Michael McGlinchey has done an able job in there on several occasions - and competed well on Sunday - but his attacking strengths mean he has a natural inclination to go forward.

Tuiloma offers a physical presence, as well as sound distribution and good mobility. He was the captain and inspiration of the 2015 Under-20 World Cup team and his potential seemed limitless. A lack of regular match practice at club level since then has stymied his progress, but no one doubts his capabilities.

Hudson is also likely to change at least one of his wingbacks, with the defensive men on the flanks raking up more metres than any other members of his squad.

Kip Colvey also had a difficult night against the Russians, and is most vulnerable to a selectorial switch.

Hudson and the All Whites are taking a `win or bust' approach to Thursday's game. They have to get a result - preferably all three points - against the North American side to stay alive in the tournament.

While that remains a remote possibility, the New Zealand group has everything to play for.
Mexico has become a familiar opponent over the last few years, with five clashes already this decade.

"They are not going to be as physical as Russia were and they like to keep the ball," said goal keeper Stefan Marinovic. "So we will look to get into their half and put them under pressure, like we did in the last game."

That was in October in Nashville, when the All Whites produced one of the best performances of Hudson's reign

"We fared quite well [and] as an opposition I think they suit us," added Marinovic. "Their playing style gave us a little bit of an advantage, creating a lot of chances so I don't see why it can't be any different. We can definitely get a result against them. We were a bit unlucky in [the previous] game to get a result so everything is in it for this game."

The All Whites held their final training session in rainy conditions in Sochi today, ahead of tomorrow's match, which kicks off at 9pm local time (6am NZT) in the spectacular Fisht arena in the Sochi Olympic precinct.

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