Mexico 2
All Whites 0
Ricki Herbert learned more about his World Cup squad. New Zealand's Group F opponents Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay may even have been reminded the All Whites can be awkward opponents.
The rest of us found that the spectre of the World Cup, and an extraordinary crowd of 90,000 at a major American stadium, does not automatically turn a soccer match into spectacular entertainment.
Bursts of Mexico's class gave them a much-expected victory in the World Cup friendly at Pasadena Rose Bowl last night, although the scoreline was unexpectedly low.
Substitute strikers Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela livened up proceedings, and their 53rd and 57th minute goals were no more than Mexico deserved. But the moment of the match came in the first half, when Jonathan Dos Santos' brilliant long strike hit the crossbar.
The All Whites' contribution was, by and large, to annoy Mexico out of further close acquaintance with the goal, although the scoreline could have been more savage.
Had Chris Killen not squandered an early chance from a corner, the story might have been different.
Watching the All Whites operate in the mid to high levels of world soccer is largely frustrating, as they attempt to harass opponents and create a few scraps for themselves.
This is a dilemma for Herbert come World Cup time in South Africa.
Does he mainly try to contain - or instead invigorate by throwing a bit of caution to the wind?
There may not be enough skill available to the All Whites to do that, but flashes of invention when Michael McGlinchey entered the noisy fray in the 54th minute came in stark contrast to what captain Tim Brown provided in his 79 minutes on the field.
Brown can drive the Phoenix forward but appears stuck in neutral at international level. He obviously has a competitive quality that Herbert treasures in the All Whites.
Rory Fallon, who replaced Killen in the 54th minute, has the best instincts and touches as a target man. Shane Smeltz, an ace marksman in the A-league, again disappointed although he had few opportunities. It is a toss up between strikers Killen, Smeltz and young Chris Wood - who has a certain presence which might be tempting - but Fallon should be a starter.
As for removing the holes that appeared down the flanks, the All Whites will hope the return of Ryan Nelsen and Ivan Vicelich papers over these chasms. Playing Mexico in this noisy cauldron was a tough task for teenage central defender Tommy Smith, but he could count himself as a qualified success story. Fellow newcomer Chad Coombes, at right wing-back, was tentative.
Herbert said: "I'm very pleased ... we came across with no real expectations. The first half was one of the better halves we've had in the last four years.
"We had to keep it tight and tidy - key players were missing. I thought Tommy [Smith] passed with flying colours."
He praised his cobbled-together defence, and also gave special mention to Ben Sigmund.
In sport there is the technical and the spectacle.
This game didn't match what occurred at a lower level nearly two weeks ago, where the Wellington crowd and a genuine contest turned the A-league playoff match between the Phoenix and Perth into a thriller.
Brown, Sigmund, Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead - who all had major roles last night - will be drained, and arrive back in Wellington about only 10am tomorrow.
They, and the Phoenix, will have their work cut out against Newcastle in Sunday evening's A-league semifinal.
