For half an hour yesterday, Team Wellington's well credentialled, new-look squad were struggling.
Their loved ones are yet to join them in the capital, but the Wellington Phoenix's Costa Rican connection are already showing signs of being part of the family with their A-League team-mates.
Phoenix co-owner Gareth Morgan has called for a total overhaul of New Zealand Football, saying it is an embarrassment and being run like a local tennis club.
Coach Keith Braithwaite hopes yesterday's scoreless draw with Oceania champions Auckland City might turn around Canterbury United's sluggish start to the season.
Ernie Merrick estimated his side spend more time practicing their finishing than any other A-League side and this week they are likely to be working overtime on that facet after missed opportunities blighted an agonising 2-1 loss to Sydney FC last night.
The wait for a win goes on - and it is hard to understand how.
A goal to new boy Ranko Despotovic in the final minute of injury time has enabled 10-man Sydney FC to snatch a stunning 2-1 win over luckless Wellington in a frenetic encounter at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Hawke’s Bay United have made it two from two to start their 2013/2014 ASB Premiership campaign after late goals steered them to a 2-0 win over a resilient WaiBOP United side.
OPINION: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
A second consecutive home win today would confirm WaiBop United as legitimate playoff contenders.
After spending the past 10 days as an unused substitute for the All Whites, Ben Sigmund is itching to get on the field for the Wellington Phoenix in Sydney tonight.
New Zealand's 4-2 loss to Mexico in the second leg of their intercontinental playoff offered a ray of hope for the future of the All Whites.
Ernie Merrick is content to play the waiting game as star signing Kenny Cunningham adjusts to life on and off the A-League field.
All White Aaron Clapham has quickly switched his focus from the World Cup campaign to Canterbury United's must-win game against Oceania champions Auckland City.
The Wellington Phoenix continue to look to the future with the announcement today of the launch of the Wellington Phoenix Youth Academy.
All Whites' captain Tommy Smith wants a "fresh approach" for the New Zealand side, moving away from the direct style that characterised the Ricki Herbert era.
All Whites striker resolved to go another round after failed tilt while Sigmund contemplates stepping out.
Chris James has a couple of handy new clips to add to his DVD CV.
Ricki Herbert bowed out as All Whites coach last night, proud of a team that had "exposed" Mexico at times in the 4-2 defeat at Westpac Stadium.
All Whites midfielder Chris James couldn't miss his spot kick against Mexico at Westpac Stadium last night because he didn't want to feel Rory Fallon's wrath.
Ricki Herbert now represents the past for the All Whites but he gave a glimpse of the future in his farewell match.
The All Whites' faint hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil were killed off in emphatic fashion by Mexico's Oribe Peralta tonight.
Goalscorer Chris James has called on New Zealand Football to provide the All Whites with more meaningful games if they are to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
If New Zealand dares to dream, there are some historical omens to bring a flicker of hope for tonight's match in Wellington.
It's never over. America's Cup winning captain delivers message to All Whites
It's not a surprise that All Whites' coach Ricki Herbert is stepping aside - but the timing of the announcement was unusual.
Two issues surrounding the All Whites are of little concern to me on the day of their do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
Tonight's big game is almost certainly Ricki Herbert's last in charge of the All Whites.
Tonight we find out if the kids are alright.
With few exceptions, New Zealand’s national team is comprised of players from overseas leagues, or with Wellington Phoenix - the country's only professional team - in Australia’s A-League.
While something like 99.99 percent* (math not verified) of the American soccer-loving public has been glued to Mexico’s World Cup qualification near-flameout, a very select group has been tuned to those other guys El Tri are facing in their playoff.
All Whites winger Marco Rojas and retired Football Ferns defender Rebecca Smith have been crowned the Oceania footballers of the year.
After more than eight years in charge of the New Zealand national men’s side, Ricki Herbert announced on Tuesday he would be stepping down as coach of the All Whites at the conclusion of the team’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
If the All Whites can't achieve the near-impossible with a big win over Mexico at Westpac Stadium tomorrow night, it will be coach Ricki Herbert's last game in charge.
Former internationals Tim Brown and Mark Paston will speak to the All Whites tonight as Ricki Herbert's side searches for inspiration ahead of the second leg of their intercontinental playoff against Mexico in Wellington tomorrow.