NOTHING GOING RIGHT: Ricki Herbert shouts in vain as his players try to get something kick-started in the pitch.

Ricki Herbert has staunchly defended his tactics and selections despite the All Whites' 5-1 thrashing at the hands of a classy Mexico side today.

Unless the Mexicans drink tequila between now and Wednesday, the All Whites' dream of reaching back-to-back World Cups is over.

Herbert had hoped a deep defensive approach would frustrate the Mexicans and keep the tie alive heading into the return leg in Wellington on Wednesday.

It worked to an extent for the first half hour but when Paul Aguilar opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, the crowd and the players relaxed and the floodgates opened.

"Obviously there's incredible disappointment," Herbert said.

"I think we're more disappointed in the way we conceded the goals. 2-1, 3-1, take the tie home, you've got a shot at it. We've made the task incredibly tough."

The All Whites were guilty of showing Mexico too much respect in the first half especially, while one of their usual strengths, defending crosses and set-pieces, became a weakness.

"Let's not kid ourselves, they're a side that can turn anybody around and we got punished for it," Herbert said.

"The first goal was really sloppy, we should have cleared it and then you're facing that battle, chase the game or don't chase the game? I was disappointed in the way we defended the crosses."

At times communication appeared to be an issue as the Estadio Azteca crowd of 105,000 roared on their heroes.

But Herbert refused to blame the deafening noise as an excuse for his defenders.

"I don't think so, at the end of the day you've got roles and you've got responsibilities and people to pick up. We align those very clearly to the players and it becomes a one v one confrontation. We got outdone in those areas."

Herbert also stood by his controversial selection of midfielder Jeremy Christie, who was ineffective as he chased shadows before being replaced by goalscorer Chris James early in the second half.

"Yeah absolutely, yeah I do. It's my responsibility to pick the team and that's where the accountability sticks. After 30 minutes we probably did have it right," he said.

"Athletically and around the pitch, we were second and I thought a good part of the game was Chris James was excellent when he came on. I thought he injected some energy, he was good on the ball, he played with a lot of freedom. I thought he was good but the balance of the side really struggled tonight."