There will be big winners on and off the field when the All Whites play the second of their two matches against Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night.
On it a number of players are expected to make their international debuts; off it, a lucky fan will win a trip for two to watch the All Whites play world champions Brazil on June 4.
Although Ricki Herbert will not name his starting line-up until after the first of two planned training sessions today, there is every chance YoungHeart Manawatu striker Campbell Banks will be called in to replace Vaughan Coveny, who has returned to Melbourne after playing in the series opener in Christchurch on Sunday.
Midfielder Jarrod Smith, too, is likely to see some game time, thus winning his first cap.
Defender James Pritchett might be in line for a place in the starting XI at right back if Herbert decides to shuffle his defence.
Midfielder Jeff Fleming, who did well enough in his limited game time at QE II Park, may see more action this time.
Shane Smeltz is another who could be more involved as Herbert spreads the workload up front.
The host team will be looking to step up from the 1-0 first-up win.
There was some concern at their failure to turn a wealth of scoring chances into no more than that one goal - and that a late one through defender Steven Old.
The inability to convert any of eight corners was also a concern.
"We will spend the whole of the session tomorrow morning on set plays," said Herbert yesterday.
"To be fair, we only had two days to prepare for the first game and did not devote too much of that to set play.
"Taking a positive from that, we did at least create those opportunities. We must now take them.
"We will be looking to use Leo Bertos and Adrian Webster more as a back-up to Andy Barron in that."
Herbert said the All Whites had twice looked at a tape of the game from Christchurch and would take a slightly different approach this time.
"We know the conversion rate must pick up.
"But we are also mindful there have been games when teams have had only two scoring chances, taken one and won."
The All Whites will round off their preparation with a session at the stadium under lights tonight.
New Zealand Soccer, keen to at least match - and hopefully better - the crowd the teams attracted in Christchurch, is giving all spectators the opportunity to go into a draw to win the trip to watch the game against Brazil in Geneva.
Chief executive Graham Seatter said ticket prices had been set at $10 and, for under-15s, $5 in the hope of attracting a big crowd.
Soccer: Second match lucky for some
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.