Starting XI
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over 9 years
Starting XI
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almost 17 years
coochiee
Sounds like Thomas had a further injury setback around Xmas, and won’t be back training at PSV until early Feb.

He’s had a wretched time of late with injuries. Coupled with his club career rumoured being on the line at PSV, understandable, if disappointing hasn’t been with Olywhites/AWs of late.



I can sadly see Thomas having a Danny Hay sort of career.  More time on the physio table they playing for his club or country.  Sadly, the way things are going with him, I think Hay is probably moving on from him long term.
Legend
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almost 9 years
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/127578765/all-whites-first-session-to-set-the-tone-for-2022-as-they-eye-a-place-at-the-world-cup

A lot of guys would also be in early pre season with their clubs (MLS, Denmark etc) - so should be in reasonable shape you'd think. No BMI Ingham episodes one hopes In World Cup year.
WeeNix
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980
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Uzbekistan played against  UAE Pro League club side Al-Wahda and won 1-0 thanks to a 90th minute penalty yesterday.

Also, in the AFCON, Gambia won their RO16 game against Guinea 1-0 this morning, and will play the winner of Cameroon-Comoros. Possibly underrated that Gambian side, they have done pretty well against decent sides, and have players in good leagues in Europe, many more than Jordan or Uzbekistan.

As for Ryan Thomas, I’d be really surprised to see Hay move on from him. He’s the only All White who’s played European football in last decade, and is in a team that is fighting for the title in one of the top 7 leagues in Europe, so a lot better than Burnley, for a hell of lot less hype. He’s only 27, and is competing against guys who play U19 football/A League, there’s daylight between him and Garbett/Lewis.
Legend
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As AV mentions in his article the advantage Jordan & Uzbekistan have (compared to the AWs anyway), is largely domestic squads, who have been in uninterrupted training camps now for a few weeks, their local club comps being out of season.

So they should at least have well drilled combinations, compared to the AWs who have come together from all over, for 2-3 training sessions before playing. 

And in it's own way that's sort of how the Island nations will be come March, mostly domestic based teams who have spent alot of time together training. But all of considerably lower quality you'd think, than Jordan & the Uzbeks.

A rusty sort of game first up against Jordan (FIFA ranking 90), but an improved effort against Uzbekistan (85) wouldn't surprise.


Lawyerish
1.7K
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4.8K
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about 13 years
The only problem is we will not have the Woods and Singh’s for the first two games. A defeat is highly possible
Starting XI
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over 9 years
Matthew Gould (Altrincham | National League) called up to replace Stefan Marinovic who has contracted Covid and will stay in Israel for this window.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/127597449/stefan-marinovic-withdraws-from-all-whites-squad-after-contracting-covid19

Someone who has been on our radar for some time. Hmmm 🤔
Legend
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Well he would certainly be on the radar of the AWs goal keeping coach, aka Dad!

Crocombe is probably unlucky, and it's a bugger Tzanev hasn’t changed his vax status. He offers something a bit different as almost a sweeper keeper, playing a high line it seems at the Dons.


For what it's worth Gould's (age 28) club Altrincham after 25 league games are 16th in the National League (English 5th tier). Gould has only been in goal for 3 of those league games. Also played a couple of FA Cup games.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/matt-gould/217228/

Max Crocombe (also 28) is at Grimsby Town (10th) also in the National League. He's also been mostly warming the bench (6 starts only in 23 league games), but seems to have become the starting keeper at Grimsby of late, being in goal for their last 6 league games (Dec-Jan).
https://us.soccerway.com/players/max-crocombe/217723/

So Crocombe may have reason to be annoyed he has been overlooked for the AWs, or he may have made himself unavailable given he has only nailed down the starting spot at Grimsby recently, and doesn't want to jeopardise that. Noting National League is playing through FIFA window.

After all though Gould will no doubt enjoy his national team callup in the UAE (it may never happen again), he highly likely won't be getting any playing time, unless there is a Comoros Islands keeper situation! Woud will probably be between the sticks for both friendlies.

And Jamie Searle's (age 21) Swansea U23s are 8th of 9 teams, in their Professional Development League (South) comp. U23 teams of various EPL & Championship clubs. He certainly hasn't been in goal for all their games, but was for this one.
https://www.swanseacity.com/news/report-swansea-city-u23s-2-bristol-city-u23s-2
First Team Squad
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over 14 years
agree re Tzanev - he's missing a huge opportunity...
and 1 other
WeeNix
600
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920
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almost 9 years
Crocombe might also not have his Vax?  
Or maybe, with him now being #1 for his club, there was a decision made it is better for him to stay in Blighty. 
Regardless, you'd imagine he's a better option than Gould??

Someone just sniper a Pfizer into Tzanev!
Legend
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/127579789/new-contenders-to-stake-claims-for-all-whites-troublesome-right-back-position

It is understood Alex Greive has also been called up for the first time in place of Andre de Jong, who was unable to travel from South Africa due to border restrictions in the UAE.
Legend
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Who's on the right, front row? Wilkins?

New Zealand Football @NZ_Football
The winning 5-a-side team at our first training session in Abu Dhabi 
Getting paid to be here
700
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970
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over 6 years
coochiee
Who's on the right, front row? Wilkins?

New Zealand Football @NZ_Football
The winning 5-a-side team at our first training session in Abu Dhabi 
 Yes, that is Dalton Wilkins.
Starting XI
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over 5 years
On last nights showing. Rojas has to be in the squad come March. 5 assists now for the Vic.  Actually wonder why he's not with them right now?
First Team Squad
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over 14 years
coochiee
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/127579789/new-contenders-to-stake-claims-for-all-whites-troublesome-right-back-position

It is understood Alex Greive has also been called up for the first time in place of Andre de Jong, who was unable to travel from South Africa due to border restrictions in the UAE.
Grieve must be the walking definition of "meteoric rise" - NZ domestic to pro contract to All Whites squad in like a matter of weeks?! 
Marquee
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over 16 years
Genuinely surprised that Stefan is vaxxed. But I hope he recovers quickly nonetheless 
Starting XI
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over 9 years
kwlap
Genuinely surprised that Stefan is vaxxed. But I hope he recovers quickly nonetheless 

I think he was more against the vaccine being forced on people rather than being able to have a choice on the whole situation.
 
But given his partner works in the medical field and the fact he would've had to take several flights to end up in Israel where they are on what? 3rd/4th round of shots (2 rounds initially + boosters) it doesn't surprise me that he ended up getting vaxxed, I'm guessing if he wanted to make any move a reality he would've had to have done so anyway. And hey, good on him for that too. 👍
Legend
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almost 9 years
YoungHeart
kwlap
Genuinely surprised that Stefan is vaxxed. But I hope he recovers quickly nonetheless 

I think he was more against the vaccine being forced on people rather than being able to have a choice on the whole situation.
 
But given his partner works in the medical field and the fact he would've had to take several flights to end up in Israel where they are on what? 3rd/4th round of shots (2 rounds initially + boosters) it doesn't surprise me that he ended up getting vaxxed, I'm guessing if he wanted to make any move a reality he would've had to have done so anyway. And hey, good on him for that too. 👍

No he made an anti NZ lock down Tweet back in 2020 (backing the Swedish no lockdown approach from memory), well before vaccines were being administered.

And who knows he may have been venting at the time (was at the Nix) because he was separated from his German partner, or similar. An ill advised Tweet, but who knows his circumstances then. And his German partner (if he's still with her) is a pharmacist!
Starting XI
6.7K
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4.5K
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over 9 years
coochiee
YoungHeart
kwlap
Genuinely surprised that Stefan is vaxxed. But I hope he recovers quickly nonetheless 

I think he was more against the vaccine being forced on people rather than being able to have a choice on the whole situation.
 
But given his partner works in the medical field and the fact he would've had to take several flights to end up in Israel where they are on what? 3rd/4th round of shots (2 rounds initially + boosters) it doesn't surprise me that he ended up getting vaxxed, I'm guessing if he wanted to make any move a reality he would've had to have done so anyway. And hey, good on him for that too. 👍

No he made an anti NZ lock down Tweet back in 2020 (backing the Swedish no lockdown approach from memory), well before vaccines were being administered.

And who knows he may have been venting at the time (was at the Nix) because he was separated from his German partner, or similar. An ill advised Tweet, but who knows his circumstances then. And his German partner (if he's still with her) is a pharmacist!

I knew it was something along those lines. Lockdown, anti-vax, pharmacist, doctors, medical field. It all blurs together after a while to be honest. 🤷‍♂️
First Team Squad
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over 14 years
There any broadcast details yet?
Marquee
3.7K
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over 11 years
NZF has confirmed via twitter SKY will be showing both games.
Legend
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almost 9 years
Getting paid to be here
700
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WeeNix
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Uzbekistan beat South Sudan 3-0 overnight. Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov scored twice and the third was from the penalty spot. South Sudan are ranked 167th in the FIFA rankings and lost 2-1 to Gambia in October. They also featured four Australian based players in their squad, including Valentino Yuel of the Jets.
Trialist
120
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81
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over 2 years
carlind
Uzbekistan beat South Sudan 3-0 overnight. Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov scored twice and the third was from the penalty spot. South Sudan are ranked 167th in the FIFA rankings and lost 2-1 to Gambia in October. They also featured four Australian based players in their squad, including Valentino Yuel of the Jets.

My pick for the morning assuming 4-3-3.
GK: Woud
RB: Payne
RCB: Reid
LCB: Boxall
LB: De Vries
CM: Bell
CM: Stamenic
CAM: Singh
FW: McCowatt
FW: Just
CF: Big C Wood
Legend
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21K
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almost 9 years
Yeahcoulddo
carlind
Uzbekistan beat South Sudan 3-0 overnight. Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov scored twice and the third was from the penalty spot. South Sudan are ranked 167th in the FIFA rankings and lost 2-1 to Gambia in October. They also featured four Australian based players in their squad, including Valentino Yuel of the Jets.

My pick for the morning assuming 4-3-3.
GK: Woud
RB: Payne
RCB: Reid
LCB: Boxall
LB: De Vries
CM: Bell
CM: Stamenic
CAM: Singh
FW: McCowatt
FW: Just
CF: Big C Wood

Suspect that is almost exactly the run on side. Though Bell has a niggle, so likely Lewis comes in for him.

Then maybe Pijnaker for McCowatt if he goes for 3 at the back. But Hay may go more for that setup against the Uzbeks who seem a stronger side than Jordan. Pijnaker may start ahead of M Boxall, regardless of formation.

Certainly I think he will mix up his setup over the 2 games. He's already stated that's likely to happen, to keep the CONCACAF/Island team video analysts guessing.
Legend
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almost 9 years
If you sleep through your alarm we'll have a delayed broadcast of the full game from 10am at https://youtube.com/watch?v=TsifkMmhBSU…

Phoenix Academy
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460
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over 2 years
What do you guys think the move is with second (third) choice keeper? It's two horror showings from Woud in the last 6 months. I know Danny Hay has a lot of loyalty to his players but would it be worth giving Searle a run against Uzbekistan? To be fair to Woud he was given a second chance after that Hondurous match and came back firing but with what's at stake come March would it be worth everyone getting at least some game time to know where they stand. I suppose it gets a bit dicey subbing him on at the 60 minute mark if we are defending a 1 nil lead or something. Maybe there you do have to go with your more experienced guy to see out the match. 
I just don't think we can afford a hot and cold goalie this year. Oli Sail has done enough the last season and a half to warrant a back up spot behind Marinovich and for my money probably the only Nix player who has really earned the jersey on recent form. 
Starting XI
3K
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3K
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almost 7 years
Yeah, Searle deserves at least an opportunity to prove himself. I believe Woud doesn't make a full-strength AWs squad on form, merit or ability - Marinovic, Sail and Tzanev are my three (ignoring any controversy). Woud's regression in the past year at club level has certainly been something - always considered a player with massive potential, but has never seemed any closer to ironing out his many mistakes.

Was expecting an exciting duel between Woud and Paulsen for the no. 1 jersey over the next decade, but I'm really not sure what to think now. He needs to improve.
Legend
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21K
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almost 9 years
mrsmiis
Yeah, Searle deserves at least an opportunity to prove himself. I believe Woud doesn't make a full-strength AWs squad on form, merit or ability - Marinovic, Sail and Tzanev are my three (ignoring any controversy). Woud's regression in the past year at club level has certainly been something - always considered a player with massive potential, but has never seemed any closer to ironing out his many mistakes.

Was expecting an exciting duel between Woud and Paulsen for the no. 1 jersey over the next decade, but I'm really not sure what to think now. He needs to improve.

The howlers he is making to low balls along the turf, must be some type of technical thing yes? I only saw the match highlights for this game, but his aerial stuff is always pretty solid??

Wonder if that shocker against Honduras in Tokyo is still playing on his mind. He then took that baggage back to Holland, and lost his confidence further at Almere with more errors, for a club side struggling.

Hopefully he has a good GK coach at his new J League club, and he can sort out these basic basic mistakes. He's still young. But once you lose confidence as a GK, and your body language becomes bad you risk having a long time on the pine, and then eventually being cast adrift. He's needs to be playing in Japan (from memory Kyoto Sanga have 4 keepers on therir books), so if he's not starting there within a few months, hopefully he can be loaned to a J2 team (not a bad level).


Trialist
120
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81
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over 2 years
Rock Hopper
What do you guys think the move is with second (third) choice keeper? It's two horror showings from Woud in the last 6 months. I know Danny Hay has a lot of loyalty to his players but would it be worth giving Searle a run against Uzbekistan? To be fair to Woud he was given a second chance after that Hondurous match and came back firing but with what's at stake come March would it be worth everyone getting at least some game time to know where they stand. I suppose it gets a bit dicey subbing him on at the 60 minute mark if we are defending a 1 nil lead or something. Maybe there you do have to go with your more experienced guy to see out the match. 
I just don't think we can afford a hot and cold goalie this year. Oli Sail has done enough the last season and a half to warrant a back up spot behind Marinovich and for my money probably the only Nix player who has really earned the jersey on recent form. 

Yep give Searle a run against Uzbekistan. Agree I think Woud needs to go back play regular club footy and get his confidence back. Don’t think he should be between the sticks for WCQ.

Give Searle a chance to press his claims in a no risk fixture as we could very well need to rely on him for the first 2 games in March (although hopefully Ufuk let’s Sail go for them).
Starting XI
550
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2.4K
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over 14 years
Did enjoy that game, some very poor goal keeping i must say but still a good hit out for the guys. I'm expecting a better showing against Uzbek and hopefully a new keeper.
Phoenix Academy
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460
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over 2 years
False alarm, Mr. Searle. Marinovich confirmed to have arrived in UAE now so at ease everyone.
Life and death
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almost 17 years
Thank fudge
Rock Hopper
False alarm, Mr. Searle. Marinovich confirmed to have arrived in UAE now so at ease everyone.
 

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