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All Whites coach Ricki Herbert - Source: Photosport -
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All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says Thursday's international against a Mexico side just days away from their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign is exactly the type and size of challenge his players relish.
Unbeaten in their last six matches, Mexico head into the 12 nation tournament as slight favourites, ahead of hosts USA, to defend their North & Central American title and qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
New Zealand's eyes are also on Brazil, but with Confederations and World Cup qualifiers not starting for the All Whites until next year, Herbert is at the early stages of constructing the core of his 2014 squad.
"The build ups are chalk and cheese really," Herbert said.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for us. Playing a team at the level of Mexico with what they achieved at the World Cup and what they're doing now is a massive challenge."
While Herbert wasn't due to name his side until tomorrow (NZT), he indicated he would "roll the dice a little bit" by giving starts to a couple of newer players.
"The list is pretty clear now. We're eight or nine short from the World Cup squad [through injury and retirement] so that's big for us in anyone's language.
"But I've always said that gives opportunities to others. But these guys will relish the chance to be out there. It's going to be tough for them, it'll be a big night, but we've done it before and we'll continue to do it."
Mexico will be without Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez for the match at Denver's Invesco Field. 'Chicarito' will join the day after the squad in time for the June 5 Gold Cup opener against El Salvador after featuring in the UEFA Champions League final in London on Saturday.
