All Whites striker Chris Wood isn't prepared to allow the likes of Argentina's Lionel Messi or Sergio Aguero shatter his World Cup hopes.
All Whites captain Chris Wood. Photo: Photosport
Wood who has scored three times for English premier league side Burnley since his switch from Leeds United and is awaiting the outcome of the South American world cup qualifying campaign to see who the All Whites will take on in the play-offs for a place at the world cup in Russia next year.
With the prospect of going up against Barcelona's five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, Wood has told the Burnley Express, "I don't really mind who we get. At the end of the day, if they are fifth, they are there for a reason.
"Yes they should be up there with Brazil in the top two but if they are fifth, they are there for a reason they are obviously not clicking or gelling as they need and it does give us an opportunity to upstage them or turn them over."
Wood, who refuses to dwell on the disappointment of the 2014 tournament, added "that was a long time ago and we have had great games since then to show that we are capable of doing that.
"I do not rule us out at all, no matter who we play, if it is Argentina, Peru, whoever it is, we will definitely give them a good game."
Wood, who is only four goals away from equalling Vaughan Coveny's record of 28 goals for his country.
Just who the All Whites play home and away next month will be known on Wednesday when the South American qualifying round is complete.
