The All Whites hopes of qualifying for a second straight Fifa World Cup have all but been extinguished after suffering a 5-1 loss to Mexico in the first leg of their inter-continetal play-off in Mexico City.
The Mexicans dominated from the opening whistle, but didn't score their first goal until 32 minutes.
They led 2-nil at half time and were 5-nil up after 84 minutes.
The All Whites then got one back through Chris James.
The All Whites have goalkeeper Glen Moss to thank for the margin not being greater.
The All Whites need to score at least 4 goals and hope Mexico don't score in the return leg in Wellington next Wednesday to have any chance of qualifying for the finals next year.
Chris Wood, Ivan Vicelich and Leo Bertos will all sit out the return leg after picking up second yellow cards today.