New Zealand vs. Mexico: El Tri Must Stay Aggressive in Final Leg

After dominating New Zealand in the first leg of the intercontinental playoff, Mexico must stay aggressive in the final leg to clinch a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

It would be understandable for El Tri to play conservatively in the final leg on Nov. 20, but that would be a mistake.

They have a 5-1 lead right now. Their chances of making the World Cup are as good as it gets, according to ESPN Stats & Info:

Barring a total collapse, El Tri will be going to Brazil next year. That doesn't mean that they should take it easy, playing not to get outscored by four goals.

It has been a very difficult year for the squad. They had won only two of their seven qualifying matches in 2013 and had four different coaches in a three-month stretch. Coach Miguel Herrera was hired to lead the team for the two-game playoff, via CONCACAF.com.

The second leg is a great opportunity for the team to maintain momentum and make a statement. 

On Nov. 13 at Estadio Azteca, the match was close for the first 30 minutes.

Mexico was the better team from the start, but it took a while for them to find the back of the net. Paul Aguilar got the scoring underway in the 32nd minute, and Mexico added a second goal before halftime.

A pair of second-half goals by Oribe Peralta put the squad in great position to advance.

Even with a 4-0 lead, they kept the pressure on New Zealand. They added another goal, but New Zealand scored a late goal to cut the deficit to four.

Mexico owned the major statistics. They controlled the ball for 73 percent of the game and outshot New Zealand 21-3. Also, they did not get carded once during the match.

Since the beginning of last year, New Zealand has scored more than three goals in qualifying play only once. They would need a huge outburst in this fixture to pull off the shocking upset.

Now the playoff shifts to New Zealand.

It will be a tough environment for Mexico, and it would be a good way to prepare for the World Cup in Brazil. El Tri haven't won away from home in a qualifier since early June. Momentum is clearly on their side, and it would be huge for them to add a couple of goals.

Herrera could stick around as coach if he is able to keep his squad playing at a high level. 

Although El Tri need to be aggressive, they also need to be smart.

Getting a player sent off is the last thing they need. Protecting a four-goal lead should take away some of the physical plays, but setting the tone early with aggressive attacks will end any hope that New Zealand has.

Playing aggressively is what got El Tri going in the first leg. They established their dominance early, and now they need to make sure they don't relax and let New Zealand fight their way back.

The odds of advancing are in Mexico's favor. A good showing in the second leg would give the squad a lot of confidence after a rough year. With 90 minutes to play, El Tri have a chance to carry momentum into the World Cup.    

*All information is via ESPNFC.com