By ADAM SERRANO
The nation of New Zealand may be considered an afterthought by many at this summer's World Cup, but if the Kiwis are going to advance out of their group in South Africa, the play of a number of MLS veterans will be vital to the squad's success.
The first real test of the year for the Kiwis came on Wednesday when New Zealand fell to Mexico 2-0 in front of a capacity crowd of 90,526 at the Rose Bowl. The match saw MLS Veterans Andrew Boyens and Simon Elliott going 90 minutes in the New Zealand loss. In front of an boisterous crowd, the Kiwis were able to keep the Mexicans off the board in the first half with an impressive defensive performance, frustrating Mexico and the thousands in attendance.
"We were very compact and kept the shape very well particularly in the first half," said Boyens. "For long periods of time, we were defending very well, but unfortunately got caught out of position for a ten minute period in the second half."
The New Zealand defense was broken in the 53rd minute when a moment of brilliance from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez put El Tri up for good with a leaping header off a Carlos Salcido cross. The Mexicans struck again several minutes later in the 57th with a thrilling Carlos Vela goal as the Arsenal striker caught the Red Bulls defender Boyens out of position for the score. Despite the loss, the All Whites received praise from their head coach Richard Herbert at the end of the night.
“For us it was about trialing players and we had practically a new back five out there, but the match has given us what we needed and given us plenty of ideas moving forward," said Herbert. "Four years ago, we couldn't beat teams in island countries and now here we are in front of 90,000 putting up a great fight in front of a top squad."
One aspect of this renewed success is the number of members of the Football Ferns who have been played in MLS. In addition, to the three kiwis who currently ply their trade in MLS, New Zealand Captain Ryan Nelsen is perhaps the most famous kiwi veteran of Major League Soccer after his four years at D.C. United. The San Jose Earthquakes' Simon Elliott, a veteran of 60 caps for the Oceania nation was quick to emphasize the importance MLS will play in the nation's success at the World Cup.
"In terms of playing teams like Paraguay who we have in the World Cup and Mexico, you definitely get used to playing the Latin technical style by playing in MLS due to the number of Central and South American players in the league," said Elliott. "By playing in America, it allows me be become familiar with that 'tocka-tocka-tocka' quick passing style that the Latinos have, so hopefully understanding this manner of play will help us going into South Africa."
As the Kiwis prepare for the World Cup, their is little moment of reflection on just how far the All Whites have developed in the past year. However, Boyens a veteran of 15 caps, who was on the subs bench for New Zealand's most infamous defeat against the island nation of Vanuatu, the prospects for South Africa are high.
"We weren't fazed despite being up against a very good side tonight," said Boyens. "I believe that if we can keep playing steady like we've been playing lately, then we'll be a dangerous team which will be in a ever game that we play."
thought that was a chick
That girl on the right looks exactly like this chick I went to school with.
Funny how we can’t manage to put our own technical player by the name ADU on our roster, but yet the Mexican team puts in Jonathon Dos santos a kid who hasn’t seen first team action for Barca just yet. So he rode the bench for a few games, but to start for the mex national team is incredible. Both of the Dos santos hardly see minutes but they still get a chance to show off their talent.
I still have to see el chicharito do damage to a worthy apponent, he still doesn’t convince me. He’s like our EJ in the beginning.
While the U.S plays the Dutch in Holland, the Mexicans play New Zealand in the Azteca 2 California!lol I guess 4 million is much more important than playing a worthy apponent in the mexican eyes.
What did I win? My team lost.
Ugh, no. I am definitely not a Mexican Fan. I can’t stand the Mexican National Team and don’t support them even though I am of Mexican decent.
Maybe you got me confused with someone else. Perhaps someone with the name of Angel posts here. Cuz I don’t know about your pro-Mexico comment. Maybe I should not post using my actual name and try to come up with a clever nickname. Hey man, thanks for the shout out and your site is awesome.
Oh! This is a fun game. Elliott says that the Latinos go “tocka-tocka-tocka” when they play soccer. Let’s name the sound effects for individual players. I’ll start…
* Carlos Ruiz – tocka, tocka, trip….”Wah!”
I hate the national team but not the people and culture and cheap booz i get down there Strictly soccer hate for me.
Altidore is way bigger and falls down just as easy:)
New Zeland will finish last in the World Cup.
I watched the Mexico-NZ game and I didn’t see anything positive from the Kiwis. They are proud because they defended very well but they didn’t even try to attack. That won’t take you far in the World Cup.
Tony Lockhead was an mlser too
It shows what I know?? I know that I’m a die hard USA fan. and at the World Cup I should be rooting for them? WOW that’s a JOKE! I hope Mexico goes 0-3 and scores 0 goals!
That’s pretty darn fast
If that is a girl in the picture, why is she playing against guys? Was this some charity game?
Gio falls down faster than a five buck ho.
I was at the Mexico-New Zealand game at the Rose Bowl. A couple of thoughts:
In the first half, New Zealand looked very well organized. Mexico squandered some chances, to be sure, but I though New Zealand played well as a team. Does that mean they will get out of their group? Probably not, but that’s why they play the games. I still remember Chad Coombes’ goal in the 2009 Club World Cup-they have talent. On any given day, ya know?
Other random thoughts:
(1) This is my fourth Mexico game (all the others were against the U.S.). Why must Mexican fans throw beer? It’s ridiculous. Grow up. Show some civility.
(2) Dos Santos is fast. Very fast. But the last touch was generally lacking. No shock about being shuttled about different club teams (but, yes, he is still young)
(3)I would rather watch soccer at Soldier Field than the Rose Bowl. Better pitch and better stadium noise at Soldier Field by a mile.
I too thought this was some 21st exhibition of equality with the Mexican womens squad playing against a mens squad. Long curly hair with a ton of product in it and a flashdance headband to boot.
LMFAO @ the lady bugs comment! I’ll never root for mexico i am sorry…maybe Honduras
That shows what you know. At the World Cup you should be rooting for them. Our World Cup spots depend on it.
And I hate the “Mexican National Team” but I know where to draw the line. Unless the US or Honduras meets them, you can only hope they all make it the farthest possible. Hell, I wouldn’t mind them making the final and getting blown out. I got a big grin as I typed that last sentence. LMAO!
Ummmm…not really….You won in Azteca for a game that mattered. That’s it.
Back to the topic of the thread…ur hmmm
I just don’t see New Zealand getting out of their group. They’ve got Paraguay, Italy, and Slovakia, all three very good teams loaded with talent and playing well. It would be a miracle. Italy or Paraguay would have to REALLY stumble for NZ to have a chance.
Creating a love for peoples’ hometowns may be beyond the scope of MLS’ abilities.
Love or hate Mexico, Mexico’s young stars in the national team look very promising. We are really going to have a hard time beating Mexico the next couple years. Aguirre finally has them playing real well. Must be why they have a two win streak against us. I believe it is a 7-1 scoreline. Without our A team, I doubt we can beat Mexico or any team that is competitive.
(SBI-You can’t be serious with the “7-1 scoreline” business, can you? Seeing as how this isn’t your first pro-Mexico, anti-USA post I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re a Mexico fan disguised as a USA fan.
And Aguirre’s coaching really helped Mexico when it lost to El Salvador in qualifying, right?
Okay, trash talk aside, I like Aguirre and think he’s the right guy to help Mexico do some things, but your comments are a bit of a joke. They beat New Zealand. Settle down.”
I root for concacaf also.
You were good until you put the “+” in there. 60,000 is 51,000+
Too late, I’m insulted. Why would you ever root for satan’s ass-hole? I hope they go down so hard.
pulling for Mexico in the World Cup? are you drunk, high, or just Mexican? True USA fans will NEVER support Mexico because we HATE Mexico
by the way did I say I HATE Mexico
Dos Santos needs to pull a LadyBugs and get some playing time on the woman’s side
Oh yeah and I HATE Mexico
It’s the communal aspect that MLS needs to tap into if they want to win over the Latin American population.
90,000 show up to a game against the worst opponent in the WC because Mexicans in America (whether born here or not) love Mexico.
MLS needs to communicate and build a love for their hometown in order to create a reason to go. As is the same for most people.
I’ll be pulling for Mexico in the World Cup. Unless, they’re playing the USA of course. I always root for CONCACAF.
And don’t think he’s even playing full-time. The kid (Giovanni) made a mistake by leaving Barcelona.
Dang! I was gonna post asking who the chick was in the new Mexico unis…..
Little or small chickpea
It means man with small breasts.
Ha, when your midfield consist of simon elliot you know your in trouble. we can’t give him away in quakesland and he doesn’t even start for us. just a slooww player w/ nothing to add but some defending. i really don’t know what yallop sees in him. oh, right he doesn’t cost much at all, only reason he’s still around.
Beat me to the punch, LOL!
What does his nickname mean? google translator isn’t translating it.
60,000 would have been pretty impressive, considering the Amsterdam ArenA only holds 51,000+….
Man, MLS needs to figure out a way to get the Mexican-American population out for its games.
It seemed out of place in Seattle before MLS Cup and inside QWest for the game, but the COPA MLS 2010 was written everywhere.
Not hard to see why 90k, when LA versus LA in LA for a playoff game draws 20k.
Who said anything about Gala or Hull, we’re just amazed at similarity to Marta and what a rack!
Was is there a woman playing with that kiwi?
I was at the US vs. Holland game- the entire stadium was filled minus the visitors section.
Have to applaud the attitude and the effort of the Kiwis. But, lets face facts: they play Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia. Compared to their competition at last summer’s Confed Cup (where they stunk), this is a “murderer’s row” of opposition. Scoring a goal will be a major achievement.
ya Galatasaray is a good club. but when its your 4th club in 3 years…..you start looking like adu.
Nothing wrong with playing for Galatasaray under Rijkaard. Gala is a historic team with players like Arda Turan, Jo, Elano, Milan Baros, Kewell, Keita, and now Gio. They should have beaten Atletico Madrid in the UEFA and will be a force in the Champions next year. Gio could have gone to Portsmouth or other relegation fodder but chose not to. I can guarantee you that Gala is better than Hull. Your post only shows the ignorance of worldwide soccer of some here that think only the EPL cuts it.
And lipstick too. What an odd picture.
I think he has graduated to “Chicharo” now
ya thats why the mexicant is playing in turkey now.
I hadn’t looked at thepicture until I saw your comment, it made me look twice and spew soda on the keyboard…DosSantos does look like he has a nice rack there…
That nice racked women can surely slice and dice her way through most defenses though and take over games.
Chicharito = The real deal
When did Marta play against the New Zealand Men’s team? She’s really got a nice rack…
I am rooting for the Mexicans (unless they play the US) this World Cup and I’m not trying to insult anyone, but that picture looks like the Kiwis are playing the Mexican womens team.
90,000 at the Rose Bowl for Mexico v. New Zealand… and the Netherlands can’t fill their 60,000 stadium against the U.S.
Makes me sad.