'If Peru loses it'll be a national disaster' – All Whites coach Anthony Hudson plays mind games ahead of do-or-die World Cup qualifier

November 15, 2017

Hudson was looking to get into the heads of the Peru team, delivering a message in Spanish at a press conference.

Spanish-speaking All Whites coach Anthony Hudson has played some last minute mind games ahead of his team's do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Peru tomorrow.

Hudson fired a warning to the Peruvian players and staff at a press conference, looking to pile the pressure on the hometown favourites.

"Everyone knows Peru is the favourite. We know if Peru loses it will be a national disaster and we don't have that sort of pressure," Hudson said in Spanish.

The Kiwi underdogs will have talismanic striker Chris Wood available to play from the start after a tight hamstring limited him to a role off the bench in the first-leg in Wellington.

Smith was part of a solid defence with Winston Reid in the first leg against Peru, but is touch and go to play in Lima tomorrow.

However, combative defender Tommy Smith is in doubt with a calf complaint, meaning Andrew Durante might step in to partner Winston Reid at the heart of the All Whites defence.

The All Whites take on Peru in Lima at 3pm tomorrow NZT.

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