New Zealand will use the window as a potential dry-run for the away leg of the playoff against CONCACAF opposition by basing themselves in California before flying into Port of Spain for an international against the 85th ranked Soca Warriors on October 15.
Whilst in camp, the All Whites will also play two matches against Mexican and US club opposition to allow coach Ricki Herbert one last chance to work through his on-field options for the penultimate international before November.
New Zealand will play Mexican Liga MX club Querétaro on October 9 and meet Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA three days later.
“The camp in Los Angeles could well replicate how the All Whites approach the challenge in November,” said NZF High Performance Director Fred de Jong.
“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge in terms of knowing who our opposition are and what unique logistical challenges they will present but basing the team in the US then flying in for that first leg is very much an option.”
“It’s similar to what the All Whites did in Dubai before the 2009 playoff against Bahrain so it’s a scenario the group has some familiarity with.
“The difference is the two club games, which will give Ricki the freedom to try a few things in a training match situation then make decisions on the make-up of his side to face Trinidad and Tobago.”
The All Whites’ playoff picture will become clear after the final round of North American qualifying in the October window, with Mexico’s clash against Panama on October 11 potentially the decisive fixture of the final two match days in that region.
De Jong indicated that Herbert may well be among the 105,000 spectators at Mexico City’s Azteca stadium to gain first hand intelligence on New Zealand’s opposition.
“The winner of that game are the front runners at this stage to fill that fourth spot in CONCACAF so it’s likely that Ricki or one of his staff will fly down to Mexico City that day as it is a fantastic opportunity to scout a potential opponent.”
Meanwhile, the last remaining tickets – in temporary seating areas – for the home leg of the intercontinental playoff in Wellington on November 20 are still available via Ticketek.
All Whites October Schedule
Wednesday 9 October
New Zealand v Querétaro
Citrus College, Los Angeles
Kickoff TBC
Friday 12 October
Chivas USA v New Zealand
East LA College, Los Angeles
Kickoff TBC
Tuesday 15 October
Trinidad & Tobago v New Zealand
Haseley Crawford Stadium
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Kickoff TBC
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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