Mexico vs. New Zealand: 5 Key Battles to Watch in the World Cup Playoff

Mexico and New Zealand are ready to tackle the first leg of the World Cup playoff to be held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Both squads seek to take a favorable result for the next stage, which will be played at Wellington.

El Tri's roster includes players from the local league tournament who will try to stop some of the most experienced All Whites.

The feat will not be easy since Mexico is going through a tough football crisis that includes four managerial changes in less than a year as well as a 1-3-1 record in their last five games on home soil.

So let’s find out which are the key battles for the match.

Rafael Marquez vs. Chris Wood

New Zealand striker Chris Wood is only 21 years old but has already proven himself at international level.

Wood has appeared 32 times with the All Whites and has scored 10 goals. He is fast and strong, plus his height (6’3’’) sets him as a superb footballer when it comes to headers.

Rafael Marquez will be in charge to cover him. The Leon centre-back must be aware of Wood’s aerial game and body build. However, Marquez’s experience should put him ahead in this battle.

Francisco Rodriguez vs. Shane Smeltz

Shane Smeltz is a well-known veteran that has won the Oceania Footballer of the Year award twice.

However, he is just coming back from a hip injury that pushed him to miss the first four rounds of the season, plus he made a lengthy trip to Mexico City after playing with Glory Perth on November 9.

But make no mistake regarding Smeltz: He has scored 24 times in 55 games with the Kiwis. Therefore, Francisco Rodriguez must be at his best to neutralize him.

Smeltz is very fast; hence Rodriguez has to be quick with reaction.

Luis Montes vs. Ivan Vicelich

The battle in the midfield will star Luis Montes and Ivan Vicelich.

The Mexican will be making his seventh appearance with El Tri. However, he is one of Miguel Herrera's most trusted men and one of the cornerstones of Club Leon’s midfield.

Montes must take advantage of the great moment he is going through in order to overshadow Vicelich.

The All Whites defensive midfielder is the most experienced player on the squad and must use his experience to cut Montes' game.

Physically speaking, Vicelich is stronger that Montes, but the Mexican is faster and more resourceful.

Raul Jimenez vs. Ben Sigmund

Jimenez is known for being an elusive striker. He knows how to leave the defenders behind, and this is the perfect chance to take advantage of it.

After Winston Reid—the All Whites captain—was ruled out due to an ankle injury, Ben Sigmund will probably take over.

Sigmund is no stranger to being at centre-back, as he has played this position with Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand since he made his professional debut in 1998.

The Mexican has to bring his A-game to surprise Sigmund and create some goal opportunities.

Oribe Peralta vs. Glen Moss

Glen Moss better be ready if he wants to stop Oribe Peralta.

El Cepillo has had a stellar year so far. He scored 17 goals in the Liga MX—the Clausura and Apertura tournaments combined—and five more with El Tri. He fights inside and outside the box and gives a try to every ball he has.

Moss is the most experienced goalkeeper in New Zealand’s roster with 24 caps. This season he has conceded five goals in four games with Wellington Phoenix. He can be insecure in the aerial game, but he is good when he comes out to cover the goal with his body.

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