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Brazil 2014 kicks off seven months today, with most supporters already aware of whether their nation will be at the party or looking in enviously from the outside. For a nervous few, though, the wait must go on a little longer.
Over the next eight days, teams from six different confederations will do battle in play-offs that promise to serve up international football at its most tense and exhilarating. The prize for the victors could hardly be greater, while the prospect of defeat for all those concerned is simply too unbearable to contemplate.
As the first leg matches draw ever closer, and with excitement building, FIFA.com whets the appetite with a look at some classic qualifying play-offs from World Cups past.
The first intercontinental qualifying play-off came about in unusual fashion after prospective opponents in Asia and Africa refused to face Israel during the Sweden 1958 qualifiers. The result was a two-legged tie for the Israelis against Wales, runners-up to Czechoslovakia in Europe’s Group 4, which offered both sides the prize of a first-ever World Cup appearance. The Welsh – led by the brilliant John Charles – ultimately proved too strong, and qualified for their only major tournament to date thanks to 2-0 victories in each leg. But for two of the men involved, this was a tie with even more fateful consequences. After all, had it not been for this play-off, the second leg of which was played on 5 February 1958, Wales manager Jimmy Murphy and striker Colin Webster would have been with their club, Manchester United, and involved in the Munich air disaster just 24 hours later.
There was great poignancy to this particular play-off, with Scotland having set up the tie in dramatic style two months before thanks to a late equaliser away to Wales. The stress of that particular occasion had, however, proved fatal to the Scots’ beloved manager Jock Stein, who suffered a heart attack in the dugout as the game neared its conclusion and died in the stadium’s treatment room. The task of finishing the job that Stein had started therefore fell to his assistant and protégé. Not for the last time in his career, Alex Ferguson rose to the challenge. Goals from Davie Cooper and Frank McAvennie established a commanding 2-0 lead at Hampden, and another clean sheet in Australia guaranteed a place at Mexico 1986 for Ferguson and his mentor’s team.
If the shadow of Stein had hung over Australia’s defeat in 1985, their failure to reach USA 1994 owed to another of the game’s legendary names. Diego Maradona, having been banned from the game for 15 months for cocaine use, returned from international exile to salvage a campaign that had reached a spectacular nadir with a 5-0 home defeat to Colombia. The then 33-year-old’s impact was immediate, with a trademark piece of brilliance setting up Abel Balbo for the tie’s opening goal before a record crowd in Sydney. Aurelio Vidmar later equalised for the Socceroos but, in the second leg, with the fans roaring for Maradona, a solitary own goal by the unfortunate Alex Tobin took Argentina through to a tournament that would have far-reaching consequences for the team and its star player.
12 & 16 November 2005 Australia 1-1 Uruguay agg. Australia win 4-2 on penalties
12 & 16 November 2005 Australia 1-1 Uruguay agg. Australia win 4-2 on penalties
So often the play-off bridesmaids, Australia shed a succession of hard-luck stories to finally edge a tie that typified the drama and tension these encounters can produce. The Socceroos had gone for over three decades without reaching a World Cup, losing a succession of play-offs, and the most recent defeat had come four years earlier against Uruguay themselves. This time, however, there was a steely resolve to a side managed by Guus Hiddink and, despite losing 1-0 in Montevideo, a Mark Bresciano goal sent 82,600 fans into delirium and led to a memorable penalty shootout. It was there, with the stakes at their highest, that substitute John Aloisi wrote himself into Australian sporting folklore, blasting the decisive kick past Fabian Carini to end his nation’s long wait.
David met Goliath in this all-European affair, with Russia – population 142 million – fully expected to make light work of a tie against a nation of just two million souls. Slovenia, though, had other ideas, and after snatching a precious away goal in Moscow through Nejc Pecnik, they stunned their heavyweight opponents in Maribor thanks to a solitary, decisive strike from Zlatko Dedic. Russia coach Guus Hiddink, having triumphed in a play-off four years earlier with Australia, was left crestfallen. As for his Slovenia counterpart, Matjaz Kek said simply: “This was a historic match. Slovenia has realised a dream.”
10 October & 14 November 2009 New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain agg.
"We've waited 27 years to resurrect something very important to us.” Those were the words of New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, a member of the Kiwis’ Spain 1982 squad, after his side saw off Bahrain to return to the game’s greatest stage. The Asian side, beaten at the same stage of the 2006 qualifiers by Trinidad and Tobago, had begun the tie as strong favourites, but after a goalless draw at home, they wilted on a memorable night in Wellington. A record crowd, a Mark Paston penalty save and an unforgettable winning goal from Rory Fallon sent the Bahrainis crashing out, and propelled New Zealand towards a World Cup from which they famously emerged as the only unbeaten side.
Home remedies revive Mexico at Azteca
Wednesday 13 November 2013
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Mexico made easy work of New Zealand in the first leg of their intercontinental play-off for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, beating the Kiwis 5-1 at the Estadio Azteca to put one foot into next year’s finals. New coach Miguel Herrera included only domestic-based players in the squad, opting to leave out the likes of Javier Chicharito Hernandez, Giovani Dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Memo Ochoa.
On this chilly night in the Mexican capital, the home-based crew was more than up to the task in what was a welcome relief for fans who’ve suffered through a difficult qualifying campaign in CONCACAF.
The new boss’s gamble to leave out all of Mexico’s foreign-based stars looked like paying off early on in the first leg. The new-look El Tri took firm control of the game from the opening seconds and the Oceania side were down only 2-0 at the break because of the heroics of their goalkeeper Glen Moss.
From the opening whistle, the visitors – without captain and West Ham United defender Winston Reid – amassed a bank of ten players behind the ball, inviting Mexico to attack. And attack they did, producing a string of half-chances in the first quarter-hour. After 18 minutes, Moss had to be alert to punch clear a flying half-volley from Carlos Pena. Five minutes later, the Kiwi keeper was called upon to push a wicked dipping shot from distance from Javier Maza Rodriguez against the crossbar. He saved again from Raul Jimenez, but the fans in the Azteca could sense a goal was coming.
It arrived just after the half-hour mark, from the boot of Paul Aguilar – one of ten players in the side from Club America, where Mexico coach Herrera is also employed. Moss was unable to punch Luis Montes’ cross from the right far enough from danger and Aguilar was on hand to poke home from close in. Mexico, with all of the possession and creating all of the chances, made it 2-0 with five minutes left in the period. Raul Jimenez – also of America – headed home from the doorstep after a corner-kick flicked on by Oribe Peralta.
Peralta on form
Santos Laguna star Peralta continued to create havoc after the interval. Just seconds into the second period, he made the score 3-0 for Mexico. Miguel Layun collected a long ball from the back and pulled a low cross through the penalty area from the left, where Peralta – scorer for three goals in Mexico’s last four Hexagonal games – slotted home with no trouble at all. The game continued on with Mexico dominating all categories and the New Zealanders devoid of ideas to change their fate.
Despite the best efforts of the lively Moss, Peralta made it 4-0 with a pin-point header from 12 yards out with ten minutes to go. Veteran Rafa Marquez, Mexico’s captain, made it 5-0 three minutes later with another header before Chris James pulled a late consolation goal back for New Zealand to make the final score 5-1.
Just hours after Uruguay opened their play-off against Jordan with a 5-0 win, Mexico, who are on their fourth coach of the qualifying campaign, made it a good day for the Americas. Both sides look good to reach next year’s party in Brazil. The Mexicans travel to Wellington for the second leg against New Zealand on 20 November with a comfortable lead.
From the opening whistle, the visitors – without captain and West Ham United defender Winston Reid – amassed a bank of ten players behind the ball, inviting Mexico to attack. And attack they did, producing a string of half-chances in the first quarter-hour. After 18 minutes, Moss had to be alert to punch clear a flying half-volley from Carlos Pena. Five minutes later, the Kiwi keeper was called upon to push a wicked dipping shot from distance from Javier Maza Rodriguez against the crossbar. He saved again from Raul Jimenez, but the fans in the Azteca could sense a goal was coming.
It arrived just after the half-hour mark, from the boot of Paul Aguilar – one of ten players in the side from Club America, where Mexico coach Herrera is also employed. Moss was unable to punch Luis Montes’ cross from the right far enough from danger and Aguilar was on hand to poke home from close in. Mexico, with all of the possession and creating all of the chances, made it 2-0 with five minutes left in the period. Raul Jimenez – also of America – headed home from the doorstep after a corner-kick flicked on by Oribe Peralta.
Peralta on form
Santos Laguna star Peralta continued to create havoc after the interval. Just seconds into the second period, he made the score 3-0 for Mexico. Miguel Layun collected a long ball from the back and pulled a low cross through the penalty area from the left, where Peralta – scorer for three goals in Mexico’s last four Hexagonal games – slotted home with no trouble at all. The game continued on with Mexico dominating all categories and the New Zealanders devoid of ideas to change their fate.
Despite the best efforts of the lively Moss, Peralta made it 4-0 with a pin-point header from 12 yards out with ten minutes to go. Veteran Rafa Marquez, Mexico’s captain, made it 5-0 three minutes later with another header before Chris James pulled a late consolation goal back for New Zealand to make the final score 5-1.
Just hours after Uruguay opened their play-off against Jordan with a 5-0 win, Mexico, who are on their fourth coach of the qualifying campaign, made it a good day for the Americas. Both sides look good to reach next year’s party in Brazil. The Mexicans travel to Wellington for the second leg against New Zealand on 20 November with a comfortable lead.
Kiwis lament Azteca defeat
Thursday 14 November 2013
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New Zealand media described the All Whites' 5-1 loss to Mexico as "the massacre at the Azteca" on Thursday, conceding they have virtually no chance of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.
"All Whites outgunned, outclassed," ran the headline on the country's largest news website stuff.co.nz, saying the host nation had humbled Ricki Herbert's football minnows at the 105,000-capacity Azteca Stadium.
"The 5-1 loss to the world's No. 24 side, at an energy-sapping 2,300 metres (altitude), wasn't entirely unexpected but the manner of it galled," Fairfax Media's football correspondent Sam Worthington wrote.
He said the All Whites sat deep, reflecting Herbert's defensive tactics, "and inevitably got what they deserved".
"It could have got even uglier had the Mexicans not made a nervy start and (goalkeeper) Glen Moss not pulled off some top saves."
The New Zealand Herald said the visitors started well as they went into the match looking for a draw to take into the second leg in Wellington on 20 November, but gave possession away too cheaply.
"In time, this may come to be known as the Massacre at the Azteca," it said.
"The All Whites didn't roll over and die - there were courageous efforts, especially from the back three - but the New Zealand side was thoroughly outclassed by a rampant home side."
Former All Whites captain Steve Sumner said there would be no repeat of the wild jubilation in 2009 when the All Whites overcame Bahrain in a similar two-legged tie to reach the World Cup in South Africa.
"5-1's a long way back, it's an impossible dream. I think it's a bit too far this time," he told Sky Sports.
After eight years at the helm, the Wellington match could be Herbert's last in charge and pundits called for the coach to introduce youth and attacking flair for his swansong.
"Herbert will lead a young, fresh All Whites side out for his last game in charge with nothing to lose," New Zealand Herald football writer Steven Holloway said.
"Herbert will deploy an attacking game plan and try to win back the Wellington crowd."
Herbert defends Azteca tactics
Friday 15 November 2013
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New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has defended his tactics in the All Whites' 5-1 defeat in Mexico, amid calls for him to step down after eight years in charge.
Herbert has come under fire for negative tactics and selecting aged players for the loss in the first leg of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier, which has left New Zealand with virtually no chance of progressing to Rio next year.
But the 52-year-old put the blame for the result on uncharacteristically poor defensive performances from his players and indicated he was not willing to go quietly.
In post-match remarks to New Zealand media published on Friday, Herbert suggested there was no one capable of replacing him when asked whether he wanted to stay after the second leg in Wellington next week.
"Don't know yet, is there anybody better?" said the coach, whose contract officially ends when the All Whites' World Cup campaign draws to a close.
Herbert took over the All Whites in 2005 and for most of his tenure also coached the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's only professional football club.
Undoubtedly the highlight of his time in charge was New Zealand's qualification for the 2010 World Cup, the first time the football minnows had reached the showcase tournament in 28 years.
Herbert's tactics in South Africa were ultra-conservative but gained New Zealand three draws in the group stages, including a 1-1 tie against the-then defending champions Italy.
He said he was tired of senior players, rather than he and his coaching staff, being credited with the team's success in 2010.
"What does annoy (me) is that this group, this management group has never had the full reflection of what was achieved at that World Cup," he said.
Fairfax New Zealand stated Herbert risked tarnishing his legacy if he tried to stay on.
"(He is) more interested in seeking credit for past glories instead of living in the now and apologising to New Zealand football fans," it said under the headline "Herbert's lived charmed life, now time to walk".
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