Soccer: First half blitz paves way for Mexico

Mexico 3 New Zealand 0
This was certainly no Mexican standoff.

From the moment the first whistle was blown in today's international football friendly there was always going to be a clear winner, and it was never going to be a depleted New Zealand, who were beaten 3-0 by a white-hot Mexico at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, United States, today (NZT).

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All Whites coach Ricki Herbert gambled on a defensive-oriented formation with players out of position so they could be exposed at international level but it was a bet he probably would have regretted by halftime, with the 28th-ranked Mexicans already leading 3-0.

On the back of personnel changes to both teams the second half was a different story and Herbert would have been mightily impressed with his team's fight, although it should be acknowledged Mexico dropped down a gear or two with the game safe.

It really was men against boys stuff in the opening 45 minutes as New Zealand, playing defensively with a virtual back five in their customary 3-4-3 formation as wing-backs Michael Boxall and Michael Fitzgerald dropped back, were ripped to shreds on the flanks.

The world's 60th-ranked team were clearly hurt by the unavailability of defensive linchpins Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith and Tony Lochhead. Nelsen's absence was not surprisingly felt the most and, on the evidence today, questions remain about whether New Zealand have the personnel to play a 3-4-3 formation against top quality opposition without him.

The Japan-based Fitzgerald, in particular, had a torrid time out of position on the left flank as he was exposed time and again by Pablo Barrera.

The opening goal was constructed on the right, however, with Fulham fullback Carlos Salcido firing a cross in that goalkeeper Glen Moss could only parry into the path of Tottenham midfielder Giovani Dos Santos, who slotted the first of his two goals.

It was a rare mistake from Moss, who was otherwise top drawer in denying the Mexicans further delight with a string to fine saves.

Even senior pros such as Simon Elliott, whose wayward backpass almost gifted Aldo De Nigris a goal but for Moss' intervention, were guilty of uncharacteristic mistakes, though Ivan Vicelich was industrious leading the back three.

Mexico doubled their lead on 30 minutes when Dos Santos received a ball from Barrera, beat Andy Boyens with a lovely touch and rounded Moss with another piece of magic, while New Zealand first attempt at goal came soon after when Kosta Barbarouses beat his man and fired 25m speculator well wide of the target.

That was it for the first half as far as the All Whites were concerned, while Mexico added a deserved third goal in the 43rd minute through De Nigris, who had a simple tap after Mexico were given acres of space on their left flank despite the presence of five men in New Zealand's last line of defence.

Mexico, themselves missing stars such as the Manchester United striker, Javier Hernandez, and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, were so comfortable they rested Dos Santos in the second stanza.

Herbert dragged both the Vancouver Whitecaps' Boxall, normally a central defender, and Fitzgerald at the halftime break, opting for the more experienced David Mulligan and Jeremy Brockie.

The moves helped to stem the flow early in the second half and New Zealand, who gifted away far too much possession in the first half, even fashioned a clear-cut chance at goal when Mulligan's right wing cross found Chris Wood at the far post, but the young striker could not hit the target.

Mulligan looked sharp despite a diet of national league football last season while Brockie also got himself into the game and had a couple of shots at goal.

Michael McGlinchey, one of the form right midfielders of the A-League with Central Coast last season, was introduced during the second half for Wood while Chris Killen, Ben Sigmund and Aaron Clapham all earned caps as New Zealand looked far more comfortable.

Mexico are unbeaten in their past seven matches now and primed for the upcoming Concacaf tournament where they will defend their title and bid for a place in the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.

New Zealand, however, will be licking their wounds as they head to Adelaide for Sunday's match against Australia, but encouraged by the second 45 minutes.

- NZPA