After four intense training sessions over the first two days in camp in Dubai, the All Whites were given the chance to refresh and recharge their batteries on Thursday with just a solitary afternoon session.
It turned out to be their final run out in Dubai – the official walkover at the match venue in Manama on Friday night is still to come – but coach Ricki Herbert has sensed his players are mentally and tactically prepared and is now taking steps to ensure their physiological readiness.
“I think managers are going to have different styles,” Herbert said, “and on the brink of a massive game like this my reflections have always been it’s an important time for the players now. I was probably the same as a 21 year old going to a World Cup.
“We have some very good players here, who understand the enormity of the challenge. Friday would have been around rehearsing set plays but we extended Thursday’s session to cater for that, and instead we’ll put the players in the pool in the morning.”
“There’s a good vibrancy around the group but also a deep sense of the reality of what Saturday night’s about now.”
All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner and technical advisor Raul Blanco travelled to Bahrain a day earlier than the rest of the group to make sure there are no surprises when the All Whites fly into opposition territory.
Herbert is due to name his starting eleven on Saturday morning (NZ time).
FIFA World Cup™ Intercontinental Playoff
First Leg
Bahrain v New Zealand
October 10, kick-off 6.30pm local (4.30am Oct 11 NZDST)
National Stadium, Manama
Live on Sky Sport
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tickets from www.oneshotforglory.co.nz or 0800 TICKETEK