4 Jun 2011

All Whites coach concedes Mexico performance sub-par

2:02 pm on 4 June 2011

The All Whites coach Ricki Herbert concedes his side must play a whole lot better against Australia to have any chance of winning and he says there's no excuse for the New Zealanders below par peformance against Mexico.

The All Whites conceded three first half goals in Denver to lose 3-0.

Herbert says he wanted the team to play and not sit back, it didn't come off, but they will be stronger because of it.

Herbert is battling a shocking attrition rate, calling the list of unavailable players 'as long as his arm'.

Another four players have been ruled out following the Mexico match, meaning he's without a dozen of his World Cup squad.

Reinforcements could be called up for Sunday's match in Adelaide.