I am going to be honest with my opinion here and I am putting myself at risk of sounding like a Twit.
I am really hoping the OFC Qualifiers tournament gets cancelled and OFC just nominates us as the highest rank team (FIFA rankings) to progress to the intercontinental playoffs.
That way we can spend November, January and March playing six meaningful fixtures.
No disrespect to the OFC nations, they're improving by the minute and teams like PNG, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and NC are always tough sides to beat, but once we know if it's either CONCACAF, AFC or CONNMEBOL as OFC's playoff opposition, I think the January and March windows will be very crucial in preparing against sides from whoever faces OFC's highest rank team.
But this is my opinion only, there might be some FIFA ruling that may go against this.
I am really hoping the OFC Qualifiers tournament gets cancelled and OFC just nominates us as the highest rank team (FIFA rankings) to progress to the intercontinental playoffs.
That way we can spend November, January and March playing six meaningful fixtures.
No disrespect to the OFC nations, they're improving by the minute and teams like PNG, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and NC are always tough sides to beat, but once we know if it's either CONCACAF, AFC or CONNMEBOL as OFC's playoff opposition, I think the January and March windows will be very crucial in preparing against sides from whoever faces OFC's highest rank team.
But this is my opinion only, there might be some FIFA ruling that may go against this.
Basically agree. Think we are doubtful to have friendlies in that extra one off January window. Would likely struggle to get a team together (doubt likes of Wood, Singh, Thomas etc would be released by their clubs), and could be even less teams than now, available to play. UEFA ain't observing that window.
But yes that March window is somewhat crucial being last window before Intercontinental Playoffs in June 2022. Without being arrogant seems a waste in a way to have that whole window playing OFC teams. The mooted tourney still hasn't been formally announced.
Some good news as mentioned by AV though, is that Intercontinental Playoffs (IP) are likely to be late June. So chance to sneak in a warmup friendly early June. If Socceroos automatically qualify, and AWs host the first IP game, perfect chance to host Socceroos in a warmup 7-10 days prior.
Back to normal with decent opposition and our best team for that March window as well as like you say, a few warm up games for June.
Yeah again some merit. Certainly the 3 Helsingor guys will likely be twiddling their thumbs in late January, in the midst of a nearly 3 month mid winter break.
Lots of moving parts. Is March OFC Tourney going to happen, who do OFC draw as their Intercontinental Playoff opponent, what other teams are looking for a friendly in January, when will NZ based staffers like Hay no longer need to do MIQ, same for A League based AW players etc etc etc.
Also how much cash does NZ have. I presume these friendlies come at a cost. I note seems that NZF will be shelling out cash on games for the Ferns, every international window they have between now and the 2023 WWC.
All this bearing in mind Nov AWs friendlies still not yet confirmed. So looking ahead to January/March probably a bit early.