New Zealand were the surprise team to be present at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but it looks like they will not make it to the 2014 edition. They suffered a 5-1 defeat against Mexico in the first leg of the intercontinental play-offs. This result means that New Zealand must score four goals away from home and should also not concede. It is looking highly unlikely after Mexico recently appointed a new manager. The World Cup 2014 qualification campaign, thus, is looking to come to an end for New Zealand.

This will also bring an end to Ricki Herbert’s time as the national team manager. It has been a great time for New Zealand with Herbert as the main man. He has been able to astonish the world with some incredible tactical displays, which helped New Zealand get a surprise result against Spain in the last World Cup. The defensive organisation of New Zealand was highly praised, but it was not up to standard against Mexico. Herbert has been in charge of the national team since 2005, but it is now known that he will step down from his role after the second leg match.

“Ricki assumed control of the All Whites at a point of instability for our men’s national team. From the moment he stepped into the coaching role he began building and shaping a team which became one of the best sides we’ve ever had at a time when competition, in what is a truly global sport, has never been tougher. The impact Ricki has had on football in New Zealand is immense and it is testament to the fantastic job he has done,” said Hattum.

New Zealand’s FA chairman Frank van Hattum has confirmed that Herbert will not be forgotten for his exploits with the national team.

New Zealand came into the FIFA World Cup 2010 with an expectation that they would be the whipping boys, but they finished the tournament as the only team not to have suffered a defeat. Even the eventual champions Spain suffered a defeat over the course of the tournament. Much of the success was attributed to the three defenders at the back formation for New Zealand. National team coach Ricki Herbert, though, is willing to try out a few things before his team reaches the 2014 World Cup. New Zealand are extremely close to reaching the second consecutive World Cup.

The only have to negotiate a play-off match from a team in the CONCAF region and it is likely to be Mexico. Ahead of the match with Saudi Arabia in the OSN Cup, Herbert said that he wants to switch to a defensive four formation. This could see only Tommy Smith and Winston Reid as the centre backs, while Tony Lochhead will be playing at left back. It is expected that either Leo Bertos or Ben Sigmund will be picked to play in the right back position. Speaking ahead of this match, Herbert said that he wants New Zealand to be ready for any possible situation. He is willing to try out a few things in this match.

“We’re going to try a whole raft of things and see how it goes. Some might work, some might not. Siggy played at right back against China [last year] and he did a good job. Leo could play fullback but Tony will probably play left back, with Winston, Tommy and Glen Moss in goal. It’s going to be incredibly demanding. But it’s more about, are players comfortable in their roles, do we feel we’ve got the right sort of connections, the right sort of links?” said Herbert.