Soccer: Bale steps into the void
Welshman's hat-trick draws praise and tentative comparison to injured Ronaldo.
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Soccer: Moyes fed up with squandered opportunities
David Moyes rued the blow of another late equaliser and warned his Manchester United players they cannot afford to keep dropping points.
Soccer: Herbert's Mexican stand-down
If the All Whites can't achieve the near-impossible with a big win over Mexico at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night, it will be coach Ricki Herbert's last game in charge.
Soccer: All Whites stay well away from the replay
Playing in the awful 5-1 loss to Mexico was enough for the All Whites, writes Daniel Richardson.
Paul Lewis: Leave now to avoid walking the plank
Departing with dignity is not always easy to do. But Ricki Herbert should do it.
Soccer: Players back Herbert despite loss
Ricki Herbert may be on borrowed time but the All Whites players have come to the support of their embattled coach.
David Leggat: Coach has to make way for a new voice
For all his defiance in the wake of the Azteca Stadium humiliation, Ricki Herbert must go. It's only partly for events on Thursday.
Sam Malcolmson: Clean-out time as oldies let All Whites side down
Ricki Herbert was loyal to a fault and was let down badly by too many players in the humiliating defeat by Mexico, writes Sam Malcolmson.
Herbert: 2010 was all about me
In the aftermath of yesterday's comprehensive defeat to Mexico, All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has gone on the offensive.
Soccer: Herbert defends strategy
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has defended his strategy in the 5-1 defeat against Mexico today, saying the ultra defensive tactics were the right approach in the circumstances.
Blog: All Whites v Mexico
Live updates of the opening leg of the FIFA World Cup playoff between the All Whites and Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Sam Malcolmson: Mexico City fans a force to be feared
The All Whites will face an extra Mexican player in the form of 105,000 screaming fans at the Azteca Stadium today, writes Sam Malcolmson.
Mixed feelings from local fans
The All Whites won't have to deal with Manchester United star Javier Hernandez today - but the reason for his absence is far more complicated than meets the eye.
Soccer's state of play: Forget upset or two, Football Ferns want to win them all
The Football Ferns have surprised everyone this year but themselves.
Soccer: Azteca Stadium promises All Whites an experience like no other
The Azteca Stadium, where the All Whites face Mexico tomorrow, is an arena every player wants to play in but it is also a place of physical and mental suffering.
Football World Cup: The Mexican view
The Mexican view; Michael Burgess talks with leading ESPN Journalist Diana Alvarado on why Mexico can't afford to lose, why the fans are one result from a riot and why Marco Rojas is such a hit.
Veteran Vicelich key in Mexico
He "retired" more than five years ago but Ivan Vicelich will be a key figure for the All Whites on Thursday.