After the All Whites' 0-0 stalemate with Peru at Westpac Stadium yesterday, New Zealand are now one 90 minute performance away from reaching next year's World Cup.
Here's what Anthony Hudson's men must do to beat Peru and qualify for Russia 2018:
Chris Wood must start
There was disbelief around Westpac Stadium when it emerged star striker Chris Wood wouldn't be starting against Peru, seemingly because he'd failed to fully shrug off a hamstring complaint.
When he finally came on in the final 20 minutes, his impact was immediate, his large frame sending spasms of panic among the visitors' defence.
The Burnley striker has been nursing a hamstring injury and was a late sub against Peru. (Source: Other)
At times they doubled up on him, the extra space allowing NZ to dominate the final moments of the match, and helping create Ryan Thomas' desperate late attempt at goal.
Admittedly Wood came on against a tiring defence, but if the All Whites want to score – and they need to - he must start in Lima.
Marco Rojas and Kosta Barbarouses toiled away manfully, but Wood posed significantly more threat when on the pitch.
Rojas and Barbarouses spent too much time chasing lost causes.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche may not agree, but if Anthony Hudson is ever going to risk a player under an injury cloud, Thursday is the day.
Up the accuracy
The All Whites did plenty of things right yesterday, but a frequent area of frustration was a lack of accuracy when things got going.
Too many times, they conceded possession with a sloppy pass, or loss of control.
Keeper Stefan Marinovic was superb in the big moments, but at times his distribution from the back – such an important aspect of the modern game - wasn't great.
In Lima, as in Wellington, Peru will hold the ball for long periods.
It is absolutely crucial when New Zealand does have the ball, they make the most of it.
Believe
Coach Anthony Hudson's never been short of self-belief, but his post-match comments that the team had to convince themselves they belong at this level were telling.
If they have any doubts, they should be gone after 90 minutes in Wellington.
After a scoreless draw in Wellington, it's all to play for in Lima this Thursday. (Source: Other)
Forget dodgy performances of the past, it did not appear they were playing a side ranked more than 100 places higher than them.
Winston Reid marshalled his defensive line brilliantly, and fears Peru would find space behind New Zealand's fullbacks were largely unfounded.
Ryan Thomas proved once again he is the most exciting talent of the new generation, creative on attack and not afraid to get stuck in when it called for.
Marinovic can be relied on in the big moments, but most importantly, the 11 men in white shirts truly played as a team.
In the red-hot cauldron of Lima, that kind of spirit and belief could be the extra five per cent needed to get over the line and earn a spot in Russia.
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