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So it has come to this.
One of the smallest nations on the globe against the country at the very bottom of the world.
All the training is done, the pre-match hype is over and both coaches will have their line-ups inked in.
Everybody knows what is at stake - a place in the 33rd edition of the World Cup Finals, which is by far the biggest show on the planet.
Tvnz.co.nz takes a look at seven key questions.
Will Bahrain bottle it?
As Ricki Herbert admitted on Friday, Bahrain are "technically very good". They are tidy and composed on the ball and have the benefit of familiarity with many more matches together. In the first leg in Mamana their ball speed was a notch faster than the All Whites and when the match settled down in the second half they had several clear goal scoring opportunities.
Crucially though they could not finish - which is the hardest task in the game - and that hints at a lack of quality in that area. The loss of a key striker will not help their cause. One would assume they will create chances on Saturday night. All Whites fans will hope they are profligate with their finishing once again.
Has Ricki got it right?
The 3-4-3 formation was virtually forced upon Ricki Herbert after the Confederations Cup where his team was savaged down the right hand side by Spain and South Africa. Herbert decided he did not have a right full back of international standard and it was 'adios' to the traditional 4-4-2 system.
But it is not as risky as it appears. In practice the team will front with a 5-2-1-2 look, with flank players Leo Bertos and Tony Lochead providing defensive cover and third striker Shane Smeltz playing behind Chris Killen and Chris Wood and operating as an extra midfielder when the All Whites are not in possession.
Many experts feel Bertos' attacking talents are under-utilised in this way but coach Herbert said on Friday he is more than happy with the job he is doing for the team. The 27-year-old Bertos will push forward more as the match goes on and especially if the All Whites fall behind.
So while the formation is a gamble for Herbert, it was probably his only option.
The Tim Brown factor
Much of the talk this week has revolved around Simon Elliot. Can the midfield veteran recover from his hip injury to take his place in the side? And should John McGlinchey, who impressed many in the first leg as a second half substitute, take his place anyway?
But it is the other centre midfielder Tim Brown who is absolutely crucial for the home side on Saturday night. While there is no questioning his energy levels and passion for the match, critics of 29-year-old Brown feel that he can sometimes hide in the big matches, not wanting the ball in the red zones of the pitch.
With the 3-4-3 formation the midfield is more crucial than ever in providing the link between defence and attack otherwise the three strikers up front will get very isolated and spend most of the match chasing hopeful long balls. Brown has come into some good form for the Phoenix over the last month which is a positive omen as he needs to have the game of his life on Saturday night
Whistlin' Dixie
Uruguay referee Jorge Larrionda will hopefully go fairly unnoticed on Saturday night. He is one of FIFA's top officials and has a reputation of showing no mercy when it come to foul play. Larrionda is unafraid to go to his pocket - even in big matches - in the 2006 World Cup he issued three red cards in a single match between USA and Italy.
He will hopefully be less trigger happy on Saturday night and one also hopes those money laden Sheiks have been nowhere near his pockets. On a serious note, the South American style of play matches up well with the Middle Eastern - where diving is de riguer and there is less physicality - and there remains the concern that the All Whites could be harshly punished for some heavy tackles.
Can the All Whites deliver set piece danger?
Set pieces remain the best chance of All White success on Saturday night. Corners and free kicks will be need to be accurately delivered - another reason why the probable loss of Elliot is a real blow as he is the best dead ball exponent.
The Bahraini defence will struggle to deal with the aerial threats of Chris Killen and Rory Fallon and Herbert will want to ensure his side make the most of this advantage.
How to navigate the tactical minefield?
Ricki Herbert admitted to some sleepless nights this week and there is little wonder. With the tie poised at 0-0, planning a strategy is particularly difficult for the home side. Conceding a goal at any time could be disastrous for the All Whites, as Bahrain will put ten men behind the ball and attempt to lock up the game while the New Zealand side search for two goals. But they need goals which means attacking.
The worst case scenario for Herbert is conceding an early goal,
and he will be looking to get to halftime with no damage done.
After that all bets are off - but even if the All Whites go 1-0 up
- the side will need to tread the fine line between protecting that
lead and continuing to go in search of a match-sealing
second.
It is slightly easier for Bahrain. The visitors can afford to play
on the break and look to catch the All Whites on the counterattack.
They will also take heart from their experience in Saudi Arabia,
where they snatched victory in the last possible moments.
Will penalties come into play?
It is possible, but pray it won't happen. The tension would be too much for most and experts are divided as to whether home ground is an advantage when it comes to the shootout.
It would be a huge gamble for the All Whites to attempt to hang on at 0-0 as the match nears the end of both 90 and 120 minutes. A late goal at that stage would consign New Zealand dreams to dust.
Hope for a goal at some stage and then at least five of the players on both teams will breathe a little bit easier.
Leave your messages of support for the New Zealand All Whites below!
Add a Comment:
Post new commentbobwilson said on 2009-11-15 @ 19:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Wow, what a result!! Great team performance. About time that football gets some coverage in this country - it's all rugby, rugby rugby! We should really get behind the team at www.allwhitesworldcup.co.nz
shazam said on 2009-11-15 @ 18:19 NZDT: Report abusive post
Epic. That's the only word that comes close to describing the match last night and the way the boys aquitted themselves. And a special mention for a man who was absolutely immense: Ivan Vicelich. Superb, boys, absolutely superb!
kiwiozman said on 2009-11-15 @ 03:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
bro, party time here in perth, WA. over the moon and im not much of a football supporter but always love my nationalteams! over the effin moon! beers on!!!!!!
cazba said on 2009-11-14 @ 23:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
yeah i was at the match and the atmosphere was so good!!!
nanaonly said on 2009-11-14 @ 22:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Congratulations Boys. Well done!!!!!!