10 October, 2013
TAB releases odds on All Whites’ World Cup qualifying campaign
As the All Whites embark on a quick visit to the USA in final preparation for their away/home World Cup play-off
eliminator, the TAB has released odds on who their opponents will be, and whether the All Whites will go on to qualify
for Brazil 2014.
With two rounds remaining in the CONCACAF federation, one of Honduras ($10), Panama ($2.85) or Mexico ($1.50) will host
the All Whites on 14 November and then travel to Wellington for the return fixture on 20 November.
The South American qualifiers take place this Saturday 12 October with the Honduras game against Costa Rica kicking off
at 10.00am. The TAB’s books will close at this time.
TAB football bookie Gary Pearn said that while they are ranked 24th in the World, and have a proud World Cup history,
Mexico have had a disastrous qualifying campaign that has resulted in their manager’s sacking after a 1-2 loss to
Honduras at the famed Aztec Stadium on 6 September, which makes things interesting in terms of who the All Whites’
opponents will be.
“Whichever team qualifies New Zealand will have a battle on their hands.
“While people will relish the chance to see the likes of Javier Hernandez and co. in the flesh – should Mexico come
through – it’s a tough ask to take down any of these teams over two games.
“Ricki Herbert will obviously pull out all stops for a draw or a win, but these opponents are very technically skilled
and quick, which could catch the All Whites short at the back. So the TAB rates New Zealand at $3.70 to book their
tickets for the World Cup and $1.25 to fall short this time around.
“Come 20 November there’ll be a passionate crowd packing in at the Westpac Stadium, no matter who the All Whites clash
with, and we’ll be more than happy if our boys prove the TAB wrong,” said Mr Pearn.
ENDS