Mexico vs. New Zealand World Cup 2014 Playoffs: Why the Kiwis Will Win

In just a few days, New Zealand and Mexico will face off in what should be a fateful playoff match. Mexico is the "favorite" but given the team's struggles, New Zealand should see this as a winnable game. Here's why New Zealand will win the matchup.

Mexico Lacks Confidence

Miguel Herrera is a great coach, but that does not mean that his team is in tip-top form. Mexico's win over New Zealand had some impressive moments but it was clear that this team still lacked cohesion and was susceptible to errors. After all, the team did give up two goals against an inferior Finland B-team. These players were not part of the collapse but this is a nation in shambles with its fans living with a tremendous amount of nervous energy and not knowing whether their team can pull off the feat. The fact that people are even questioning Mexico's ability to win the game indicates that this is a team that few people blindly trust to win.

Mexico Has All the Pressure

If New Zealand loses, few will be surprised or upset. Obviously the Kiwi fans will be disappointed, but they will not be heartbroken. They qualified early in the year for this round and have known that they are the underdogs even before their opponents were revealed.

However, a Mexican defeat would be a disaster. For the nation, for the sponsors, even for the World Cup itself. Imagine a tournament without Mexico. Especially when the nation was expected to take the next step and be a contender. Many would claim that the team is going nowhere in the upcoming tournament but it is impossible to write anyone off once the ball gets rolling. Anything can go wrong in the tournament and anything could go right the next moment. Remember France in 2010? Or how about South Korea in 2002? Mexico can still do something in Brazil, but it must get there first. And this is why the situation is so pressure-filled for the team. The team must win. It is an obligation. If the team loses to a minor soccer country like New Zealand, a major soccer identity crisis could be at hand.

How does it help New Zealand? The team can focus on frustrating Mexico physically and by extension emotionally while waiting for the opportune moment to break it down. New Zealand can stick to its game plan without little risk. Mexico must take every risk to earn the result or face the dire consequences of failure.

Physical Advantage

Mexico has the technical advantage, but New Zealand holds the physical edge. They are bigger and stronger and should be able to tire the Mexicans over the grind of the two games. Throw in the fact that New Zealand is putting its best team on the field (Mexico does not even know what is its best team is) and this is a very doable task for the Kiwis.