"The only way to battle it is to keep the ball and make the other team run. It is very, very hard to sprint down there. You simply can't run and gun. You have to change the way you play and segment the game - to try to run for some periods, then slow it down in others."
All Whites team doctor Mark Fulcher said playing at altitude had multiple effects on the body.
"It's harder to breathe, the respiratory rate changes, your heart rate goes up ... essentially for any level of exercise, you are potentially more fatigued. For athletes, the simple equation is that you will become more fatigued, more quickly and performance will drop off over a period of time."
One American expert likened the challenge of the Azteca to "breathing with a plastic bag on your head". It is generally accepted that people need two weeks to acclimatise fully to altitude but that was never viable with Fifa's international windows.
Another school of thought is 'smash and grab', where players move from sea level to altitude as close as possible to the event. That's not always ideal, as the major effects of altitude are felt upon arrival.
The All Whites have gone for the middle ground and are due to arrive in Mexico around 48 hours before kickoff.
"We thought long and hard about our options and believe this is the best compromise," said Fulcher.
"We will get to Mexico, recover, have 24 hours to get used to being at that elevation and then prepare for game day."
Being at altitude is an appetite suppressant (though the body needs more fuel) so players will be encouraged to eat. Hydration will be carefully monitored, as more liquids are needed at elevation.
Shortness of breath is another symptom and the squad will be reminded to breath deeply and more frequently than usual.
"We have some experience of being at altitude in recent years, which will help," said All White Leo Bertos. "We know it is going to be tough but we can't be intimidated. It's a huge challenge for us."
Adds Fulcher: "We have to remember that the altitude will affect the Mexicans as well during the game. Not equally - obviously it's easier for them, as they are accustomed to it - but even players who are living at altitude will start to feel the effects. During sport, it doesn't spare anybody."
Before that, the All Whites will have three days in Los Angeles, training and preparing in a familiar setting after their training camp last month.
"We have a controlled environment in LA, which we couldn't have in Mexico or somewhere else, and hope to maximise the value of training sessions," said Fulcher.
"All of those things will help and then on the day, it essentially comes down to mental toughness."
Meanwhile, Fulcher and his medical team set up a virtual physiotherapy clinic during the flight (overnight NZ time) for basic treatment of any strains and minor injuries arising out of yesterday's Phoenix draw with the Perth Glory.
On arrival in Los Angeles later today, the players will have access to a team of massage therapists and will also go through their usual ice bath, pool sessions and other recovery routines before training starts tomorrow (NZT).
