Herrera: Mexico paid debt back to the fans

The new head coach of Mexico took charge of his first match in the play-off against New Zealand and tasted immediate success as his team thrashed the visitors at the Estadio Azteca 5-1.

After Mexico stuttered in CONCACAF's final World Cup qualifying group to only finish fourth and, therefore, face a two-legged play-off for a spot at Brazil 2014, Herrera claimed his team had started to rebuild a positive relationship with their fans after the big win over New Zealand.

"The truth is that the team was in debt with the fans and we repaid it to some extent," Herrera said.

"(The debt) is not settled yet. We hope to give them more satisfaction by coming back from New Zealand and delivering to them the ticket to the World Cup in Brazil."

Mexico led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Paul Aguilar and Raul Jimenez after New Zealand had defended stoutly for 30 minutes.

The second half saw Mexico destroy the visitors as Oribe Peralta notched a brace and captain Rafael Marquez added a fifth for the hosts, before Chris James struck for New Zealand in the 85th minute.

Despite the big win, Herrera maintained his job was only half finished before guaranteeing Mexico will win in Wellington in a week.

"I am coach for two games and that's the reality. I have won nothing. I won a game," Herrera said.

"We're going to win the second (leg), I'm sure of it, and they (the Mexican federation) will decide if I go to the World Cup with Mexico. They'll make that determination."

Latest in
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer