19 Oct 2013

Mexico hire new coach to face NZ

8:36 am on 19 October 2013

Mexico football officials have named their fourth coach in six weeks to try and save their dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, hiring Miguel Herrera ahead of their playoff against New Zealand.

The Club America boss replaced Victor Manuel Vucetich, who was sacked two days after the team lost 2-1 to Costa Rica, a defeat that nearly killed their hopes of going to Brazil next year.

The Mexican Football Federation president Justino Compean says they're in a crisis situation.

Mexico only managed to advance to next month's two-leg playoff against New Zealand after the United States beat Panama, allowing the Mexicans to secure fourth place in their group.

Mexico will host the first game on November 13 before heading to Wellington for the second leg on November 20.