Trialist
94
·
120
·
about 11 years

So looks likely that we'll have one, maybe two friendlies in the March 2020 international window. 

Legend
11K
·
21K
·
almost 9 years

Taken from Journey Man's post in 2020 OFC Nations Cup thread.

Some interesting comments below from OFC El Presidente.

Maybe some more AWs friendlies against other OFC teams, with plans for an OFC Nations League. However without any plans to dovetail also into an AFC Champions League - sounds very uninspiring. 

That may change if Infantino can get his grandiose plans of a 8 (?) team Global Nations League tourney (to replace the Confeds Cup) off the ground. Any OFC Nations League winner won't get automatic entry to that??

https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2020/01/09/lambert-maltock-we-want-to-include-all-ofc-countries-together-2/?fbclid=IwAR1PqPvp5lKl9JGfGC3E7T5-VFvn_WR-i9PP5y8yQJxU7lrOsYuyaOJgHlM

Do Oceania Football Confederation have plans to make the national teams more actives?

Yes. We have already made substantial progress in discussions together within the OFC to have all 11 Nations playing regularly against each other every year, if possible. With the proposed format under discussion, we want to include all OFC countries together and group them by ranking and region, so that any activity will be affordable, cost-effective and sustainable.

Is this about the OFC Nations League idea?
Yes. It was my idea for improving football performance in the region. It is to be played every year or two years, rather than waiting four years to play a minimum of four international matches.

Are there other ideas to be put in practice in order to reduce the gap from OFC to the other confederations?

We have made discussions and agreements with other confederations like AFC and CONMEBOL to see how they could assist OFC in improving their performance. In June we will sign an agreement with AFC and CONMEBOL. We already have an agreement with UEFA to fund youth football development with exchanges of football and tournament promotions in Europe or in the region that started in 2019.

How they could assist OFC?
We focus on all categories with special emphasis on youth football elites to meet our vision for 2026.

Will we see more youth tournaments and more friendly matches against AFC, UEFA and CONMEBOL members in that case?
Exactly.

Starting XI
3K
·
3K
·
almost 7 years

Anybody know about a supposed friendly in New Plymouth against Vietnam on 26 March?

No clue where Soccerway gets their info from, but they've got this game up

WeeNix
880
·
960
·
about 7 years

mrsmiis wrote:

Anybody know about a supposed friendly in New Plymouth against Vietnam on 26 March?

No clue where Soccerway gets their info from, but they've got this game up

Not planning on a big crowd then....

Starting XI
6.7K
·
4.5K
·
over 9 years

ClubOranje wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

Anybody know about a supposed friendly in New Plymouth against Vietnam on 26 March?

No clue where Soccerway gets their info from, but they've got this game up

Not planning on a big crowd then....

We don't even have a stadium! 

Although I'm sure we could get a solid 200-300 up at Merrilands Domain, possibly even a few more up at Pukekura Park with a gold coin donation if we're really lucky. I'd definitely be there! 

WeeNix
880
·
960
·
about 7 years

YoungHeart wrote:

ClubOranje wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

Anybody know about a supposed friendly in New Plymouth against Vietnam on 26 March?

No clue where Soccerway gets their info from, but they've got this game up

Not planning on a big crowd then....

We don't even have a stadium! 

Although I'm sure we could get a solid 200-300 up at Merrilands Domain, possibly even a few more up at Pukekura Park with a gold coin donation if we're really lucky. I'd definitely be there! 

Of course we do; just can't sit in the stands!

Some websites optimistically claim there are 3500 seats at the southern end terraces, and there are standing terraces at the northern end which can take up to (*cough) 8500, so with FIFA rule for internationals requiring fully seated, we could get ... 3500 fans in.

But I'm with you; Pukekura park on a balmy March evening. I could go for that.

Getting paid to be here
700
·
970
·
over 6 years

In case anyone was wondering, I can confirm that there is no such fixture planned.

Marquee
3.3K
·
5.1K
·
almost 13 years

In case anyone was wondering, I can confirm that there is no such fixture planned.

I really wonder what Soccerway is thinking with that Vietnam fixture. No other announcements or leaks, Vietnam then have a World Cup Qualify in Malaysia just five days later. Then lastly in New Plymouth!!! Sure New Zealand football would want to take a game to the regions and pass up the opportunity of more money playing in Auckland or Wellington. 

Starting XI
6.7K
·
4.5K
·
over 9 years

ClubOranje wrote:

YoungHeart wrote:

ClubOranje wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

Anybody know about a supposed friendly in New Plymouth against Vietnam on 26 March?

No clue where Soccerway gets their info from, but they've got this game up

Not planning on a big crowd then....

We don't even have a stadium! 

Although I'm sure we could get a solid 200-300 up at Merrilands Domain, possibly even a few more up at Pukekura Park with a gold coin donation if we're really lucky. I'd definitely be there! 

Of course we do; just can't sit in the stands!

Some websites optimistically claim there are 3500 seats at the southern end terraces, and there are standing terraces at the northern end which can take up to (*cough) 8500, so with FIFA rule for internationals requiring fully seated, we could get ... 3500 fans in.

But I'm with you; Pukekura park on a balmy March evening. I could go for that.

We should've just bulldozed it and made a boutique 10-12k all seater. But this is not the right place to discuss this ?

Pukekura Park is, surprisngly, a good little football ground. Didnt't even realise they played football there until I went to see Rangers play Havelock North (I think) in the Federation League. Great little set up.

Woof Woof
2.7K
·
19K
·
over 16 years

YoungHeart wrote:
 

Pukekura Park is, surprisngly, a good little football ground. Didnt't even realise they played football there until I went to see Rangers play Havelock North (I think) in the Federation League. Great little set up.

That can't have been an ideal away trip.

WeeNix
300
·
570
·
over 10 years

Oh boy, this is peak NZF at its finest if true!

Getting paid to be here
700
·
970
·
over 6 years

Sancho wrote:

Oh boy, this is peak NZF at its finest if true!

It is not true.

Starting XI
6.7K
·
4.5K
·
over 9 years

el grapadura wrote:

YoungHeart wrote:
 

Pukekura Park is, surprisngly, a good little football ground. Didnt't even realise they played football there until I went to see Rangers play Havelock North (I think) in the Federation League. Great little set up.

That can't have been an ideal away trip.

It wasn't for Havelock North. Somehow up 1-0 at H/T, end up losing 10-1...

Talking New Plymouth Rangers and not Miramar as well. Although I suspect you knew that was the case.

Anyway I digress. Back to the real issues.

WeeNix
880
·
960
·
about 7 years

YoungHeart wrote:

We should've just bulldozed it and made a boutique 10-12k all seater. But this is not the right place to discuss this ?

Pukekura Park is, surprisngly, a good little football ground. Didnt't even realise they played football there until I went to see Rangers play Havelock North (I think) in the Federation League. Great little set up.

Pukekura Park was my home ground in the early eighties.

Legend
260
·
120K
·
over 14 years

Refereed more than a few games at Pukekura in the late 90s early 2000s when I lived there. The cricket ground in the middle always ruined it when it rained. One of the most picturesque grounds anywhere and one of the biggest marked out grounds I ever refereed on too. Those e-scooters would have been handy back in the day.

Phoenix Academy
79
·
180
·
over 4 years

In the Joe Bell article Voerman says we will probably have a couple of matches in March announced soon then of course the Oly Whites. That's along with the OFC Nations Cup, all this All Whites football for 2020 almost seems weird. 
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/118822033/norwegian-football-clubs-pursuit-of-young-all-whites-midfielder-joe-bell-pays-off

"Before then the Wellington Phoenix academy product should get the chance to add to his two All Whites caps, with matches in Europe or the Middle East in March close to being secured, and he also has the Tokyo Olympics in July to look forward to later in the year."

Starting XI
6.7K
·
4.5K
·
over 9 years
Legend
11K
·
21K
·
almost 9 years

YoungHeart wrote:

All Whites to take on Bahrain and Oman in March

As always, excellent work again Mr Voerman ?

If it happens a pretty good result. Two reasonable opponents. One main 16 hr flight to Dubai from NZ, and about 6-7 hrs flight time for those in Europe.

Hopefully is close to a full strength squad.

Be interesting to see if all the MLS contingent are available (12 hrs New York to Dubai), being pretty early in their season, and few guys like Wynne, Musa, Billingsley, Adams even Tuiloma fighting for spots.

Who knows what clubs Smith and Reid will be at come March.

Marquee
2.7K
·
7.2K
·
almost 17 years

These are the kind of games we can and should realistically be targeting. Well done NZF. Now sign on the dotted line and give our players a challenge!

WeeNix
390
·
960
·
over 10 years

good to see nzf being proactive 

Marquee
2.7K
·
7.2K
·
almost 17 years

Absolutely...we are usually very critical of them (and so should we be), but credit to them this time around!

Starting XI
1.3K
·
2.7K
·
almost 9 years

Joey Johns wrote:

good to see nzf being proactive doing their job

fixed it for you :-)

Marquee
1.2K
·
5.5K
·
over 13 years

AV reporting Hay will narrow the squad to 21

To trim to 21, and add Kosta, I reckon something like this, assuming all selected are available/fit. 

OUT

McGarry

Roux

Pijnaker

McGlinchey

Ridenton

De Jong

Mata

IN

Billingsley

Musa

Stensness

Kosta

Squad of 21 would look like this:

Legend
11K
·
21K
·
almost 9 years

Pretty much agree with that squad. Tuiloma is currently injured so may not be available.

Smith and Reid are club hunting so who knows. If either of them say no to the AWs this window, Kyle Adams would be worth a look.

Also don’t see any LB cover for Cacace, so I’d keep McGarry and not take Stensness, if Tuiloma is fit. He can fill that DM role in need.

TSA
Trialist
10
·
36
·
about 4 years

do you think Hay will pick two or three keepers?

Marquee
1.2K
·
5.5K
·
over 13 years

coochiee wrote:

Pretty much agree with that squad. Tuiloma is currently injured so may not be available.

Smith and Reid are club hunting so who knows.

Also don’t see any LB cover for Cacace, so I’d keep McGarry and not take Stensness, if Tuiloma is fit. He can fill that DM role in need.

  • Agree re Tuimloma injury, but we'll see I guess
  • Smith LB cover, or Billlingsley/Tuiloma even. McGarry only played U21s since he left the Nix (where he got little senior time anyway; basically hasn't progressed since signing a pro contract; desperately needs to play senior footy somewhere).
  • Stensness has really impressed in a weak team at CCM, deserves a shot in a better squad.
  • Agree re Smith and Reid but given pedigree they'll both be in as long as they're fit.
Marquee
1.2K
·
5.5K
·
over 13 years

TSA wrote:

do you think Hay will pick two or three keepers?

For a WC, three. But at this stage Hay needs to look at fringe outfielders. We have lots of known GK options.

Lawyerish
1.7K
·
4.8K
·
about 13 years

Preety much agree with the above squad with the exception perhaps of Roux who I don't think deserves to be dropped just yet.

BIllingsley is still raw and is basically on trial at his club

Hope he becomes a good one but plenty of time for him to develop at his club and the under 23's first

Legend
11K
·
21K
·
almost 9 years

Willem II are one of the better teams in Holland this season, McGarry must be doing okay at training to still be cracking (admittedly large) match day squads. But yes he needs to move elsewhere and be playing. However see all the other options to Cacace as makeshift at best and that’s a risk, if Liberto was injured come March 2022.

As per my edited post above, Kyle Adams worth a look if any of the 1st string defenders are unavailable.

Marquee
1.2K
·
5.5K
·
over 13 years

coochiee wrote:

Willem II are one of the better teams in Holland this season, McGarry must be doing okay at training to still be cracking (admittedly large) match day squads. But yes he needs to move elsewhere and be playing. However see all the other options to Cacace as makeshift at best and that’s a risk, if Liberto was injured come March 2022.

As per my edited post above, Kyle Adams worth a look if any of the 1st string defenders are unavailable.

Agree Adams could come into mix pending injuries.

Disagree about McGarry; bench of 9 I think in Eredivisie, which is also a fairly young player's league. He wasn't getting minutes when Willem were mid table last season either. LB cover is an issue, but I'd happily play Smith there with Boxall and Reid CB, rather than McGarry.

TSA
Trialist
10
·
36
·
about 4 years

I do not think Smith is a LB at this age, nor in the system Hay wants to play.  Can play in a 2/3 at the back but cannot see Hay using him as a fullback that gets high.

NZ needs better fullback depth.  Cacace bright future but other than that the depth is lacking severely.

WeeNix
200
·
670
·
over 16 years

Yes and any side with competent scouting will exploit that.

Great to see two more games, this side really just needs to play as much together as they possibly can, I'm certain they will be much better this time.

Starting XI
3K
·
3K
·
almost 7 years

Cacace, then Wynne, Wilkins, Morgan, McGarry. Not the deepest at the left let alone the right

Legend
11K
·
21K
·
almost 9 years

mrsmiis wrote:

Cacace, then Wynne, Wilkins, Morgan, McGarry. Not the deepest at the left let alone the right

Of course Deklan Wynne, yes the forgotten man.

I see with Rapids pre season games, seems to be playing the 'first team selection' half.

Deserves to be picked come March, either as a CB if some of the first choice CBs are unavailable, or replaces McGarry as backup LB. 

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

coochiee wrote:

Pretty much agree with that squad. Tuiloma is currently injured so may not be available.

Smith and Reid are club hunting so who knows. If either of them say no to the AWs this window, Kyle Adams would be worth a look.

Also don’t see any LB cover for Cacace, so I’d keep McGarry and not take Stensness, if Tuiloma is fit. He can fill that DM role in need.

I'd drop Rufer for Stensness.  Rufer was poor in his last AW game and is now a bench warmer for the Nix.

Starting XI
1.3K
·
2.7K
·
almost 9 years

Marto wrote:

coochiee wrote:

Pretty much agree with that squad. Tuiloma is currently injured so may not be available.

Smith and Reid are club hunting so who knows. If either of them say no to the AWs this window, Kyle Adams would be worth a look.

Also don’t see any LB cover for Cacace, so I’d keep McGarry and not take Stensness, if Tuiloma is fit. He can fill that DM role in need.

I'd drop Rufer for Stensness.  Rufer was poor in his last AW game and is now a bench warmer for the Nix.

Rufer has had 1 appearance off the bench for the Nix and the games he has missed have been due to his injury

Marquee
2.7K
·
7.2K
·
almost 17 years

Agree. He's in the form of his life and I think belongs in the wider AWs squad.

He's unlucky that Devlin (who many, including myself thought was pants from what we saw in preseason/FFA cup) has turned out to be a real gem, otherwise he'd be back in the starting line-up with Matti doing a solid job.

You’ll need an account to join the conversation!

Sign in Sign up