New Zealand Camp Focus – All Whites prepare for Azzurri challenge
New Zealand’s preparation ahead of their second World Cup group game against Italy has been typically low-key. Despite facing the reigning world champions on the back of what has to be considered the best result in his nation’s history, the 1-1 draw with Slovakia, Coach Ricki Herbert has been commendably calm and realistic about his side’s prospects. It is clear that nobody in the Kiwi’s camp is getting carried away by their progress, or openly talking up their chances of causing an even greater upset.
Herbert has hinted that his approach to the next game will not be dictated by the rumours of who will be starting for the Italians. While confidence among the All Whites is high, they know that Italy were not at their best against Paraguay, while their own capabilities were well stretched to snatch the late point gained against a disappointing Slovakia. Whoever is selected by Herbert or Marcello Lippi on Sunday the task facing New Zealand is the same and a near impossible one, to make the game as difficult and awkward for the Azzuri for as long as possible.
With no pressure or great expectations on New Zealand Herbert has little but pride to lose if he gambles on his tactical approach to the Italians. Sensing there was a chance to take something from the Slovakia game, the Kiwi’s surprised most by their positive approach and the number of chances they created, particularly earlier on. On the occasions when Chris Killen picked up the ball in the final third he was well supported by Rory Fallon, Shane Smeltz and Leo Bertos. It is unlikely that New Zealand will be quite so adventurous on Sunday. The unlikely veteran midfield pairing of Ivan Vicelich and Simon Elliott, are sure to be overrun by the likes of Montelivo and Pepe. The 36 year-old Elliott took a number of knocks against Slovakia and will have felt the draining effects of his energetic contribution on Tuesday. Herbert won’t want to miss his ability to win the ball and guile to pick a pass, but resting him ahead of Paraguay with qualification still theoretically possible, could be an option.
In the absence of Tim Brown who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, the relatively youthful Michael McGlinchey and Jeremy Christie could figure in the centre instead. As a substitute against Slovakia, Christie helped provide the drives forward that enabled the Kiwi’s to snatch something late on. There are no new injury concerns for the All Whites so Brown apart, Herbert has his full squad to choose from. Despite a shaky performance against Slovakia, it seems unlikely that second-choice goalkeeper Mart Paston will miss out. With regular custodian Glen Moss serving the last game of a four-match suspension, the only other option is third-choice James Bannatyne. At 34 and having been around the national team scene for nearly a decade without holding down a regular slot, it is difficult to see him coming in to face Italy. Herbert is likely to stick with Paston and hope that the Italians are limited in the number of crosses they are able to deliver across the area. After Sunday’s game the goalkeeper situation is likely to come under review.
The most important area of the team on Sunday is the defence, but this is where the Kiwi’s are strongest. Captain Ryan Nelsen can draw on his experience of facing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea on a regular basis domestically and will relish the challenges presented by Gilardino. Nelsen may not be surrounded by players of a similar calibre, but will not lack support, especially if Vicelich and Killen are brought back for set-pieces. Full-backs Tony Lochhead and Winston Reid proved themselves to be very capable at the back and going forward against Slovakia. Reid in particular impressed with his unflappable performance for such a young and inexperienced player and is certainly a threat at set-pieces. Lochhead and Reid’s attacking instincts will probably be tempered against Italy, either to cope with any onslaught or at best, not risk opening up spaces at the back for Italy to exploit.
This will doubtless be by far the biggest game in the careers of everyone involved with New Zealand. Expectations may have been raised by the draw with Slovakia, but most of their followers are aware that realistically they cannot hope for anything from the game. The experience is to be enjoyed ahead of the crunch fixture against Paraguay, which will decide who progresses from the group.
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