NZ hunt big scalp ahead of Oceania World Cup qualifiers

[Pelican Press 0]

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NZ hunt big scalp ahead of Oceania World Cup qualifiers

New Zealand may be smarting from a 3-0 defeat to Mexico but the world’s 94th ranked side believe they can bounce back quickly and beat the U.S. in a friendly on Wednesday to build momentum before their next World Cup qualifying window.

The All ******* face the 16th-ranked Americans in Cincinnati, Ohio in their last friendly before heading into Oceania qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Though outclassed by Mexico in Pasadena on Sunday, the New Zealanders sense vulnerability in a U.S. team beaten 2-1 by Canada at the weekend, their first home loss to their neighbours in 67 years.

“We can take confidence that they’re not fully hitting their stride at the same time, they’re going through a transitional ******* as well,” New Zealand captain Chris Wood told reporters.

“But ultimately we need to focus on ourselves and make sure we do what we can right and better than the other day or else we’ll get steamrolled again.”

The ******* States’ flat performance under caretaker coach Mikey Varas against Canada follows their disappointing exit from the group stage at the Copa America and subsequent departure of former boss Gregg Berhalter.

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris St Germain and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be confirmed as U.S. head coach imminently, according to U.S. media reports.

New Zealand have gone eight matches without a win over a non-Oceania opponent and ending that run against the U.S. will require improvement across the board, said Wood.

“This is probably one of the most talented groups we’ve had in a very long time — but we need to start showing it,” added the Nottingham Forest forward.

“It didn’t happen the other night for whatever reason but we need to make sure we turn up tomorrow night to bounce back and do it right.”

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