Opinion: All Whites v Mexico - four things we learned

The All Whites went down 2-1 to Mexico at the Confederations Cup.
The All Whites went down 2-1 to Mexico at the Confederations Cup. Photo credit: Getty Images

OPINION: The All Whites produced one of their best performances under Anthony Hudson, losing their second game of the Confederations Cup 2-1 to Mexico in Sochi. In an entertaining match where they fought hard until the end, here's four things we learned. 

Clayton Lewis deserves a professional contract

The left-footed midfielder was perhaps a surprise inclusion in the starting side, but he repaid the faith with an impressive display. Brilliant in possession, the Auckland City player was at the heart of a lot of the All Whites best moves and linked up play well. He showed a great understanding with captain Chris Wood, instinctively finding him on several occasions. 

Clayton Lewis
Clayton Lewis Photo credit: Getty Images

Set up the goal by threading the needle, and showed a great ability to play the early ball. He should be playing at a higher level, and at a minimum, the Wellington Phoenix need to be seriously considering him. He was unlucky to be substituted in the second half.

Ryan Thomas is now the third best player in the All Whites

Easily the standout against Russia, Thomas put in another outstanding shift in the midfield. Two excellent blocks in the first half once again showed his commitment on defence, and his willingness to work hard. His tackling was impressive, and his aggressive approach helped the All Whites in their pressing game. The 22-year old's become an energetic, all-around midfielder that should be one of the first names on the team sheet. A brilliant effort that smashed against the crossbar late in the match only exemplified his talent. He is incredibly valuable to this team, and is right up there with Winston Reid and Chris Wood.  

Poor finishing let All Whites down

The All Whites would have come away with a point, and possibly all three had their finishing been up to scratch. Wood buried his first-half strike, but unfortunately missed a couple of golden opportunities that would have piled the pressure on Mexico

Chris Wood missed a couple of golden opportunities in the first half.
Chris Wood missed a couple of golden opportunities in the first half. Photo credit: Getty Images

He admitted he "probably should have had two more", in the post-match interview, and it's hard to argue with that. He is still New Zealand's best in front of goal, but he'll be wondering what could have been.

Dane Ingham exposed in a brutal introduction to international football

Ingham was left stranded time and time again as the All Whites were carved apart out wide. The Brisbane Roar defender struggled to compete with the pace and the skill of Mexico. At just 18-years old, he has plenty of potential and looks a terrific prospect, but this was a tough night for him. He should have been substituted earlier, or at least given more help. It's not a performance he'll look back on fondly, and don't expect him to be involved against Portugal.

Henry Rounce is a reporter for RadioLIVE