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<\/p>\nAnalysis: Playing South American opposition could be seen as an ideal test in a World Cup year, writes 1News Sport Reporter Zion Dayal.<\/p>\n
Fifty-second ranked Chile await the All Whites tonight in their last game before June\u2019s World Cup camp.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, there\u2019s a tight turn around between playing Finland on Friday and Chile this evening. The All Whites need to put a flat performance behind them, not only for confidence in the camp but for their fans too.<\/p>\n
Players are taking ownership for an uncharacteristic performance against Finland. But Chile pose an even bigger threat. <\/p>\n
Ranked 22 places higher than Finland, there\u2019s always an edge when it comes to South American teams \u2013 likely to push the laws of the game, physical on and off the ball – emphasis on \u2018off\u2019 – and play with plenty of passion. <\/p>\n
Not to mention their sold out “away area” at Eden Park. <\/p>\n
They’re a young group who are starting their World Cup cycle having not qualified for this year’s finals, and come off a 4-2 win over World Cup-bound Cape Verde.<\/p>\n
But this is a test the All Whites need, it\u2019s similar quality opposition to what they\u2019ll face at the World Cup. However, the All Whites are yet to show a dominant or winning performance against teams ranked higher. Their last was a 1-1 draw with 31st ranked Norway in October last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis group is showing that they have a lot of potential, it\u2019s not linear \u2013 there\u2019s going to be moments where we get it wrong and then we have a responsibility to have robust conversations to get it as good as we possibly can before we go into the June [World Cup] camp,\u201d assistant coach Simon Elliiot said.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s clash is also the last time these players can prove themselves in national colours before the World Cup squad gathers, and we can expect to see some of those who didn\u2019t get a run against Finland see game time tonight.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s fair to say Darren Bazeley has his ideal starting XI in mind \u2013 but there\u2019s still plenty of football to play between now and June. And, while some players may not be in Bazeley’s final 26-man for the World Cup, injuries and possibly even form could see some fringe players play their way in.<\/p>\n
What these two games have provided \u2013 with the absence of a number of key players \u2013 is an opportunity for those on the fringes to push their case for selection in June.<\/p>\n
Attacker Andre de Jong was one of those.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Andre de Jong of New Zealand is challenged by Onni Valakari of Finland during the FIFA Series match between New Zealand All Whites and Finland at Eden Park on March 27, 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Source: Getty)<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be called back in and make the last three tours has been really proud for me and a nice honour and hopefully get on the pitch on Monday,\u201d De Jong said.<\/p>\n
Tonight is also the last chance for Kiwi fans to see the All Whites in action before the World Cup. At the back end of last year they didn\u2019t know whether they\u2019d be home before FIFA\u2019s pinnacle event. <\/p>\n
The occasion is also momentous for the players who get a rare chance to play in front of their families \u2013 and for fans to say goodbye and good luck.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as these games got announced at home as a send off before the World Cup… all the guys have spent a lot of time seeing their friends and family, and they will all come out to the games and just to play in front of a home crowd and your family \u2013 it doesn\u2019t get much bigger than that,\u201d De Jong said.<\/p>\n