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Wood could be key for NZ in Lima
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Burnley striker Chris Wood looms as a potential game breaker for New Zealand in Wednesday’s second leg of the World Cup playoff against Peru, as the All Whites bid for their third appearance in soccer’s global showpiece.
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson restricted Wood’s minutes in the 0-0 drawn first leg in Wellington on Saturday after he arrived nursing a hamstring injury from the English Premier League.
Hudson introduced Wood for the final 15 minutes and he immediately changed the home side’s attack.
The All Whites had been sending long balls forward to the diminutive duo of Marco Rojas and Kosta Barbarouses, a tactic that proved redundant.
However, the 1.91-meter Wood created doubt when he came on, making runs behind the defense and posing a more potent physical and aerial threat.
“We knew him coming off the bench would get the crowd going, which psychologically would add a bit more pressure on Peru,” Hudson said.
“We have been nursing him back since he arrived back from England. It was a day by day thing and we planned for him to have a few minutes.
“I think it all worked out really well and we have planned for him to start in Lima.
“We have planned it well, Woodsy has got a few more days (recovery) under his belt and we are confident he can start.”
Peru coach Ricardo Gareca recognized the influence Wood had on the All Whites attack and the pressure he put on his defense.
“They played very direct,” he told reporters after the game. “When their substitutes came in, especially Chris Wood, it was very tough for us.”
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