The All Whites host Peru on Saturday in a game they can't afford to lose or, more importantly concede a goal.
So what are the chances that Anthony Hudson and his men arrive in Lima with a first-leg lead?
Roundtable discusses.
Matt Burrows, Newshub digital producer
"It's hard to know what's genuine prediction and what's just shameless, patriotic optimism - but for some reason, I feel very hopeful that a result against Peru will come at Westpac Stadium.
"There's no doubt the South American side are far superior, but I just think the combination of the All Whites' top European experience in key positions and home advantage will be enough for us to earn a draw.
"It'll be an interesting game. Peru, who typically let their opponents have the majority of possession, before pouncing on the counter-attack, may have to run the play a little more in the first leg.
"That could work in our favour, as it'll disrupt their winning formula, and may leave them unsettled and prone to mistakes.
"That's our hope - that we can capitalise on a stray pass or a dodgy tackle, and allow the quality trio of Chris Wood, Ryan Thomas and Marco Rojas to do the rest.
"But I still think our fullbacks are a weakness that Peru will exploit and I can see the All Whites giving away a cheap goal, as a result of one of their errors."
Scoreline prediction: 1-1
Andrew Gourdie, Newshub sport presenter
"They definitely can.
"Having said that, the priority for the All Whites in this game must be a clean sheet.
"Two-legged football fixtures are tactical. This tie cannot be won in the first leg, but it can be lost.
"The All Whites learned that against Mexico four years ago. The aim this time is to keep the tie alive.
"In 2009, the team's 0-0 draw in Bahrain set the scene for drama in Wellington. While casual fans won't want to hear it, the same result on Saturday would be a near-perfect result.
"It would mean the All Whites could attack the second leg, knowing the pressure is on Peru to score and that any goal scored in Lima would require their opponents to score one more, if they're to secure a place in Russia.
"The All Whites certainly have the attacking firepower to cause problems for Peru and score goals in Wellington, but defence must be the focus in a game that is merely the first half of a 180-minute fixture."
Henry Rounce, Newshub sport reporter
"No. While the All Whites have assembled one of their strongest squads and seem to be injury free [touch wood], Peru is a massive challenge.
"This is a team that's drawn with Argentina, and beaten the likes of Uruguay and Ecuador. There's no Paolo Guerrero, but there is truckloads of big-game experience, with the likes of Jefferson Farfan and Andre Carrillo.
"I think the wing-backs will be a big weakness for the All Whites and I expect Peru to target them out wide.
"I'd like to see New Zealand play up the pitch and not sit too deep, but I think, in parts of the game, it's inevitable they'll have everyone behind the ball.
"Ryan Thomas, Chris Wood and Winston Reid are the key men for the All Whites.
"I think they can nab a goal, but I'm picking Peru to take a 3-1 lead back to Lima."
Richard Wain, RadioLIVE sport reporter
"Short answer - yes.
"Slightly longer answer - unlikely, but not impossible.
"Long answer - Yes, New Zealand can eke out a 1-0 or a 2-1 result in Wellington, but to hope they can earn a useful two or even three-goal advantage appears fanciful and they might need a couple of goals, at least, to edge Peru in the tie.
"The Peruvians will be difficult to keep out in our capital and even tougher in Lima. With away goals coming into the equation, keeping a clean sheet there will be difficult, while keeping one at home could be crucial.
"But I was encouraged to hear Rio-based football correspondent Tim Vickery point out this week that Peru are mentally fragile, especially without Paulo Guerrero.
"And this is football - on the day, a lower-ranked team like the All Whites can upset a much more fancied one.
"Twice though... well, my Leicester City won the Premier League a couple of seasons ago and this isn't quite on that scale!"
Ollie Ritchie, Newshub sport reporter
"The All Whites can definitely head to Peru with a draw, IF their stars come to the party.
"Any goals they can put on the board in Wellington will greatly help their chances and there will be opportunities for shots on goal, which means Chris Wood must take them.
"It may only be two or three, but if he can connect on just one of them, it will be a massive boost to the All Whites.
"On the flip side, those chances will be there for Peru as well, so Winston Reid and his fellow defenders must take some of the pressure off goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.
"He's going to have his hands full, even without Paolo Guerrero leading the way for Peru."
Scoreline prediction: Peru 2-1
Michael O'Keeffe, Newshub sport reporter
"In short, yes, but it's going to be a monumental task.
"They'll need to sure up the defence. Even with Winston Reid anchoring the rear guard, Japan still had plenty of opportunities and denying the Peruvians the chance to score in this home tie is crucial heading to Lima.
"Having both Winston and Tommy Smith at the back together will make a telling difference.
"With a significant size advantage, set pieces is an area to exploit for New Zealand. The All Whites have proved they can score from open play recently, but looking at Peru, a set-piece goal could be on the menu.
"Lastly, Anthony Hudson is overdue a big result. He's preached not being content with close losses to countries ranked far higher than New Zealand.
"He's wanted results and what better time for that to come to fruition."
Scoreline prediction: 1-1
Brad Lewis, Newshub sport digital producer
"They can, but they won't - is that sitting on the fence?
"Regardless, the All Whites are facing a side who have muted the likes of Argentina and Uraguay during the South American qualifying campaign, so it's a tough ask to expect anything other than a noble loss.
"In saying that, the Peruvians struggled at times against the lesser lights in Bolivia and Ecuador. That tells me they are a team that likes to counter attack - they would have seen far less of the ball against Messi and Suarez etc.
"The All Whites must not concede in Wellington to have a shot in Lima, but it's hard not to envisage a situation where the South Americans don't grab a sneaky goal."
Scoreline prediction: Peru 1 All Whites 0
Newshub.
