**New Zealand are coming for a demolition job** — they've won two of their last five and absolutely torched India 5-0 just weeks ago. 🔥 This feels less like a friendly and more like a sparring session with a very uneven power dynamic.

India are in freefall after getting pumped by Brazil (0-4) and Uruguay (1-6), so they'll need to show serious character bounce-back here. New Zealand's recent trip to Japan (1-2 loss) proves they're not invincible, but momentum and home soil are massive edges.

Key storylines:

- **New Zealand's attacking class** will be looking to make a statement again — **C. Wood**, **L. Rogerson**, and **C. Piper** should have space to run riot if India's defense buckles early
- **India's shaky back line** has conceded double digits across their last three matches; keeping it tight around **V. Kaith** in goal will be the only survival plan
- **M. Boxall** and **B. Tuiloma** anchoring the All Whites' defense could see this turn into a one-sided affair if India's attack can't find rhythm

Expected lineups:

- **New Zealand**: A. Paulsen, F. Surman, M. Boxall, B. Tuiloma, N. Pijnaker, C. McCowatt, O. P. Price, C. Wood, L. Rogerson, C. Piper, J. Randall
- **India**: V. Kaith, T. A. Singh, B. Varghese, A. Mishra, J. Gupta, M. Singh, A. Thapa, A. Kuruniyan, L. Colaco, R. Williams, D. Lalhlansanga

Prediction:

**New Zealand 3–0 India** — home advantage and recent form point to a comfortable All Whites win.