Soccer: All Whites given wake-up call

The All Whites were handed a timely reality check in being beaten 3-1 by Thailand - a nation ranked 39 places below them on the Fifa list - but coach Ricki Herbert remains philosophical heading into a tough 2009 schedule culminating, he hopes, in a place in next year's World Cup.

Speaking from Bangkok after rookie striker Kris Bright had given New Zealand a handy 1-0 lead after just eight minutes only to see the hosts bounce back, Herbert said: "It's not a blow really. The benefits of being here as a team are exceptional."

With Chris Killen and Jarrod Smith failing fitness tests, Herbert handed Bright his first full international start alongside Shane Smeltz.

"With those changes, we looked at different combinations and structure," said Herbert. "There were some encouraging signs across the pitch."

The conditions, no doubt, played a part in the result with the All Whites struggling in the heat.

"Thailand were a good side and we looked a little rusty," said Herbert who put out a team which had only Bright and captain Ryan Nelsen with recent match play. "I think we are very capable of going up to another level but with a result like this, there is always a reflection on how you have done.

"The players will probably need a good 48 hours to recover. There are some very tired legs," said Herbert after watching his players come from a recovery [pool] session 10 or so hours after the match.

Given the results in weekend Asian World Cup qualifiers, it appears more likely the All Whites will face a Middle Eastern rather than east Asian qualifier in the winner-take-all home and away qualifiers later in the year. Herbert is not unhappy with that.
Before then he must name a 30-strong squad for June's Confederation Cup in South Africa.

He will do that on his return from Thailand after Wednesday morning's clash with Thailand A. Thailand coach Peter Reid will draw from pretty much the same squad who won first up and will be keen to repeat that success.