Terry Maddaford: The mix is right, but the attacking edge must be sharpened

The experience of players such as Simon Elliott and Tim Brown is immeasurable. Photo / Getty Images

International soccer is about results - read scoring goals. Again, something the All Whites were left to rue after being held 1-1 by Honduras.

This was a game the home team should have won, if not in a canter then at least at a decent trot.

Creating scoring opportunities is one thing, taking them clearly another. It is the only part missing from Ricki Herbert's jigsaw puzzle.

Defensively few could argue that he has got it right with recent results backing such claims.

In five World Cup matches - two in qualifying and three in South Africa - New Zealand conceded just two goals, in the 1-1 draws with Slovakia and Italy. But, to counter that, they scored just three, one the all-important Rory Fallon winner against Bahrain to book the World Cup ticket.

At the highest level 0-0 and 1-1 draws will get a team only so far. Even at a World Cup where there was hardly a deluge of goals, the big teams found ways to score - and win.

Herbert took a huge gamble in switching from a more established 4-4-2 (with occasional minor variations) formation for the away leg of the Bahrain series to playing just three defenders with roving wing-backs.

It has worked a treat and even encouraged Herbert to look for more of the same with the Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.

Defensively, the Ryan Nelsen-led All Whites are accomplished and confident. In Winston Reid and Tommy Smith they have young players fully capable of continuing to shoulder that workload.

In midfield, too, few would find much wrong.

The experience of players such as Simon Elliott and Tim Brown is immeasurable. They complement the work being done behind and around them. As the goalkeeper, defenders and midfielders meet and beat most challenges, a justified air of confidence grows. Others including Michael McGlinchey provide hope for the future. It is on attack that the concerns remain.

The All Whites created half a dozen chances against Honduras. That they could take only one - and miss a penalty to boot - again underlines the need for a greater, more decisive edge in front of goal.

Without Fallon, Chris Wood was asked to spearhead the attack. He did the job admirably, capping his 13th international - but only fourth start - with a superbly taken goal.

He was well-served from the flanks by Leo Bertos, running on the left, and, in particular, Jeremy Brockie, but his efforts were not matched by his long-serving fellow strikers Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen.

As Herbert said after the match, the overall result was satisfying enough but he, and the fans, were left with that "what if" feeling as wayward attempts at goal failed.

There is little doubt Herbert has the right mix for the side.

It now needs the good work being done on defence and in the engine-room to be rewarded. The pressure is on the strikers. Their response will determine the immediate future of the side. Starting tomorrow.