Salah is at a level that he can do what he wants and Liverpool can't do anything about it. What are they going to do, drop him?
2024 All Whites International Fixtures
Maybe I'm being a touch negative. Maybe playing the AWs is on Salah's bucket list. I note for now Liverpool are scheduled to have a 2 week break around that window.
17th March Merseyside derby at Everton
31st March Brighton at Anfield
But of course potential FA Cup and/or Europa League games can throw out the scheduling. Liverpool are also in the League Cup semis, with the final at Wembley on 25th Feb. I hope Mo does potentially play the AWs, but wouldn't be the least surprised if he decided on a little rest this March window. We await the tourney draw.
17th March Merseyside derby at Everton
31st March Brighton at Anfield
But of course potential FA Cup and/or Europa League games can throw out the scheduling. Liverpool are also in the League Cup semis, with the final at Wembley on 25th Feb. I hope Mo does potentially play the AWs, but wouldn't be the least surprised if he decided on a little rest this March window. We await the tourney draw.
What is everyone's dream draw for this?
Are people hoping a scrappy opening round result against Tunisia and then a shot at the "silverware?"
Or are we feeling keen on a preliminary shot at Croatia where the rare novelty of seeing our boys match up against such a high calibre side outweighs the potential of a 5 nil drubbing?
Or heck why not both? In that exact order...
Are people hoping a scrappy opening round result against Tunisia and then a shot at the "silverware?"
Or are we feeling keen on a preliminary shot at Croatia where the rare novelty of seeing our boys match up against such a high calibre side outweighs the potential of a 5 nil drubbing?
Or heck why not both? In that exact order...
Yes a win over Tunisia in a pen shootout (13-12), then whatever against Croatia in the final would make for an exciting tourney.
🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah played part of the game as a CM for Egypt against Tanzania.
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) January 9, 2024
- He made the most through passes in the game (7).
- 4 passes into the opposition’s penalty area.
- 3 shot assists.
And he also got an assist.
🗣️ “It was clear today that he can play that part.”… pic.twitter.com/8dZOYzwo94
Mohammed salah vs tanzania yesterday pic.twitter.com/7jqnImAi5h
— wassim🇩🇿🇵🇸 (@Wassimbarca23) January 8, 2024
What is everyone's dream draw for this?
Are people hoping a scrappy opening round result against Tunisia and then a shot at the "silverware?"
Or are we feeling keen on a preliminary shot at Croatia where the rare novelty of seeing our boys match up against such a high calibre side outweighs the potential of a 5 nil drubbing?
Or heck why not both? In that exact order...
Are people hoping a scrappy opening round result against Tunisia and then a shot at the "silverware?"
Or are we feeling keen on a preliminary shot at Croatia where the rare novelty of seeing our boys match up against such a high calibre side outweighs the potential of a 5 nil drubbing?
Or heck why not both? In that exact order...
Question: Should Rufer start? He’s in cracking form whilst Bell has struggled to reestablish himself since returning to Viking.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
Question: Should Rufer start? He’s in cracking form whilst Bell has struggled to reestablish himself since returning to Viking.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
Question: Should Rufer start? He’s in cracking form whilst Bell has struggled to reestablish himself since returning to Viking.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
Stamenic and Garbett should be nailed on of course, and here’s hoping Dibley-Dias will make his return - if he’s fit.
As for MDD, it sounds like he will be returning to the fold at club level from about now/early Feb, after surgery to fix a detached hamstring. So perhaps too early to get him back for the next window, but we'll see.
About right but realistically I don’t think old has done enough
Just ahead of him
And whilst on form I know, on pure .talent Billy eats Nando for breakfast
Just ahead of him
And whilst on form I know, on pure .talent Billy eats Nando for breakfast
I like that squad but I’d squeeze Just onto the bench. Really rate the guy, I just feel like he needs to put on a few kg and try not to go missing in action.
I like that squad but I’d squeeze Just onto the bench. Really rate the guy, I just feel like he needs to put on a few kg and try not to go missing in action.
The Boxall/Surman CB partnership is tasty and I really want to see what Rufer can do, as I feel the Nix tactical setup translates well to NZ's. I wouldn't mind Lewis starting though; he's having a great albeit underappreciated season across the ditch
Yes for me from the Nov squad Champness, Mata & Greive all drop out. In come Barba, Old & one other. Wood & Waine are enough striker options for a 2 game window. And yeah you have got to have Just in the squad.
By the March window, Bell will only be in pre season with Viking, so Rufer should edge ahead of him for a couple of reasons. But not sure either start.
By the March window, Bell will only be in pre season with Viking, so Rufer should edge ahead of him for a couple of reasons. But not sure either start.
And I'd wager that George Stanger is a better player than Finn Surman.
And I'd wager that George Stanger is a better player than Finn Surman.
Payne has his limitations, as do all our RB option, but his form this year has been good and he deserves his spot. This week, Ingham gave away a penalty (albeit very harsh imo) and Roux got sent off... Sinclair is playing NZ Club level!
Don't know about Rufer starting, although I am a fan. Is form relative to the league? Is a player in ok form playing in the top Danish division better than a player in great form in the A League. Form vs quality of the league.
Watch the 1-1 draw against Ireland. Payne played well. Heavily involved in the buildup to Garbett’s goal.
Bindon, Tuiloma & Wilkins are also options, to switch to RB. All likely ahead of Roux, Ingham & certainly JHS. Billy T has started there at least twice under Bazeley.
Bindon, Tuiloma & Wilkins are also options, to switch to RB. All likely ahead of Roux, Ingham & certainly JHS. Billy T has started there at least twice under Bazeley.
And I'd wager that George Stanger is a better player than Finn Surman.
Sensible - last time we won the Nations Cup we went up 54 places!
Sensible - last time we won the Nations Cup we went up 54 places!
Is above is true can understand the logic of this decision. But still it's disappointing. Playing OFC teams is very meh. Playing the likes of Sweden, Australia or Ireland (and hopefully putting in a good showing as with the latter) even in friendlies, is actually a little bit exciting.
👋 @EgyptNT 🇪🇬
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) January 23, 2024
The All Whites have been drawn to play Egypt in Abu Dhabi for the first match of the W Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sNXkB6E9cs
Some test that!
Of the three I would've preferred Croatia, but beggars can't be choosers.
We're surely on for two goals if their recent AFCON results are anything to go by.
OFC Nations Cup draw 3.30pm NZ time.
March window Egypt and Tunisia or Croatia.
June window Samoa & Cook Islands
I am being facetious. I presume only one of the minnows - Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa or Cooks - will join the usual 7 bigger OFC teams in the main tourney draw. I note there is also a qualifying draw tomorrow.
And I guess if winning the Nations Cup, sees the AWs get a 50 place ranking jump - that's potentially a nice boost re pots for the 2026 WC draw etc??
Presumably the 48 team WC draw will be 4 pots (A, B, C & D) of 12 teams in each pot. AWs stand a much better chance (with a large dollop of luck) falling into Pot C, ranked in the 50s, as opposed to being ranked around 100 (definitely Pot D). Some folks much smarter than me will have a better idea, but this might be behind NZF's thinking re now entering the Nations Cup.
At the 2022 WC (32 teams) there was one team qualify outside the top 50 rankings. Ghana at 61. Of course they AWs nearly made it 2 teams outside the top 50.
So yes with luck Pot C (teams 25-36 at the 48 team WC), could also include some teams outside the top 50 FIFA rankings. With luck. All the Confeds get more spots now at an expanded 48 team WC, and so more top 50 teams will get there from strong Confeds like UEFA & CONMEBOL. Italy may even qualify this time!
Also a 50 place jump in the FIFA rankings for the AWs, just because we are now confirmed as the no 1 team in the obscure OFC seems extreme.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/live-ofc-mens-nations-cup-2024-draw/
We're surely on for two goals if their recent AFCON results are anything to go by.
Had to double check that. So three 2-2 draws in Egypt's three Group games!
2-2 Mozambique
2-2 Ghana
2-2 Cape Verde (Group winners)
https://us.soccerway.com/international/africa/africa-cup-of-nations/2023-ivory-coast/group-stage/group-b/g19682/
Egypt into the Round of 16, and play whoever finishes 2nd in Group F.
If the reason for re-entering the OFC competition is with a view to our ranking and the effect that has on being in pot C versus pot D then that is surprisingly good strategy from the team at New Zealand football. Fair play to them.
In terms of the likely ranking boost for winning what would it likely be? I mean it will be nowhere near 50 but throw in a few friendlies and maybe we could sneak into Pot C, who knows.
In terms of the likely ranking boost for winning what would it likely be? I mean it will be nowhere near 50 but throw in a few friendlies and maybe we could sneak into Pot C, who knows.
Egypt have been knocked out of AFCON by this DR Congo side.
Just a reminder that 9 of these 11 starters also started against New Zealand in October last year - Wissa & Masuaku the only changes to the starting XI.
New Zealand V Egypt in the W Cup in March could be big opportunity for us. Even though you can't really compare friendlies to continental matches, we're clearly ahead of where we are currently ranked by FIFA. Currently we're sitting at 72 on Eloratings - which represents that sweet spot between 60-75 and is probably more aligned to our level on the international scene.
For want of a better thread.
2026 World Cup Schedule is out.
16 different venues. 2 cities Canada, 11 cities USA & 3 cities Mexico.
12 Groups of 4 teams.
https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1be9ce37eb98fcc5/original/FWC26-Match-Schedule_English.pdf
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/fifa-confirm-match-schedule-for-fifa-world-cup-2026/
Draw to be done late 2025.
2026 World Cup Schedule is out.
16 different venues. 2 cities Canada, 11 cities USA & 3 cities Mexico.
12 Groups of 4 teams.
https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1be9ce37eb98fcc5/original/FWC26-Match-Schedule_English.pdf
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/fifa-confirm-match-schedule-for-fifa-world-cup-2026/
Draw to be done late 2025.
Baze must be stressed about our injuries at present- wood, Stamenic, Garbett, Mcgarry, Mata (?) and the fact the Scandinavian guys have been playing friendlies..
Might need a few a league players who are getting game time in the squad- rufer etc
Might need a few a league players who are getting game time in the squad- rufer etc
Garbett played on the weekend for Breda. Not sure about Mata, but he's only scored 1 goal in 22 League One appearances (11 starts), so maybe it's just that the new Shrews coach just doesn't rate him, so not now getting into match day squads.
Libby tends to almost always start both AWs games in any window, so the 2nd LB whether it's McGarry, Wilkins, Deklan Wynne never really does much. Helps that Cacace only plays about every 2nd week for Empoli.
Danish football restarts next week. Same LOI for Pijnaker (who could miss out anyway). MLS in 2 weeks. Only Bell in Norway won't be in season by the March window.
But yes can see Rufer, Barba & Old getting called up. Dibley-Dias maybe as well. Back in comes Tuiloma, who missed the Nov games.
Stating the bleeding obvious Wood will be huge loss if not fit. But he came off with 30 mins to go against Ireland (Mata on) and the AWs finished strong with Singh pulling the strings. Waine will be progressing at Plymouth, if not getting a huge amount of mins in The Championship.
Libby tends to almost always start both AWs games in any window, so the 2nd LB whether it's McGarry, Wilkins, Deklan Wynne never really does much. Helps that Cacace only plays about every 2nd week for Empoli.
Danish football restarts next week. Same LOI for Pijnaker (who could miss out anyway). MLS in 2 weeks. Only Bell in Norway won't be in season by the March window.
But yes can see Rufer, Barba & Old getting called up. Dibley-Dias maybe as well. Back in comes Tuiloma, who missed the Nov games.
Stating the bleeding obvious Wood will be huge loss if not fit. But he came off with 30 mins to go against Ireland (Mata on) and the AWs finished strong with Singh pulling the strings. Waine will be progressing at Plymouth, if not getting a huge amount of mins in The Championship.
While Ben isn't starting that much he is getting good mins in a side scoring lots of goals with one of the best young strikers in England (Whittaker) . The new manager is showing faith in him so good signs there.
I think on current form, Kosta, Old, Rufer, Payne & Surman should be starting in a full strength All Whites side. Paulsen/Crocombe is a toss up. Hopefully everyone in the Nix squad is fit by the international break so we don't need to rely on these players too much in the game after the window.
Payne & Kosta are near starting givens now I agree. To me it's McCowatt up top alongside Wood, and then likely Kosta ahead of Just. Singh as a central 10.
Then 3 of Garbett, Old, Stamenic, Lewis, Bell & Rufer. Dibley-Dias is obviously another who will be in the mix, if he stays with NZ. I'd say of those only Stamenic is a certainty to start currently.
Then alongside M Boxall, take your pick of Surman, Tuiloma or Bindon. The latter is obviously doing well in the UK. Be very interesting to see how he goes alongside Surman at the Olympics - could be the future long term AWs CB combination.
Then 3 of Garbett, Old, Stamenic, Lewis, Bell & Rufer. Dibley-Dias is obviously another who will be in the mix, if he stays with NZ. I'd say of those only Stamenic is a certainty to start currently.
Then alongside M Boxall, take your pick of Surman, Tuiloma or Bindon. The latter is obviously doing well in the UK. Be very interesting to see how he goes alongside Surman at the Olympics - could be the future long term AWs CB combination.
That is an embarrassment of riches, but also players who play in quite different ways. I hope we see distinct roles solidify so we can see who fits and who doesn’t.
Ricki chose a formation to fit in our striker heavy resources and play around that at that time.
Kosta has prospered scoring goals in quick transitions making runs in behind. That’s a game plan Waine and Wood could operate around with Singh. Front 3. Or 2. But then what’s your midfield?
How does Garbett operate with Singh, Stamenic and Bell? That’s obviously leaving out Lewis, Rufer and Old. And Rojas, though he probably doesn’t make the squad yet…
It’s a potentially brilliant midfield, but I think the roles need to be clear.
Ricki chose a formation to fit in our striker heavy resources and play around that at that time.
Kosta has prospered scoring goals in quick transitions making runs in behind. That’s a game plan Waine and Wood could operate around with Singh. Front 3. Or 2. But then what’s your midfield?
How does Garbett operate with Singh, Stamenic and Bell? That’s obviously leaving out Lewis, Rufer and Old. And Rojas, though he probably doesn’t make the squad yet…
It’s a potentially brilliant midfield, but I think the roles need to be clear.
The top lineup for me is the following
| | McCowatt | Wood |
| Singh | | Stamemic |
| | Rufer | Bell |
| Cacacae | Boxall | Tulioma | Payne
| | Crocombe| |
McCowatt is the only one of the young guys getting good mins in a decent league, so he gets the start for me.
Solid bench with Rufer, Kosta, Marco?, Lewis, Surman etc.
| | McCowatt | Wood |
| Singh | | Stamemic |
| | Rufer | Bell |
| Cacacae | Boxall | Tulioma | Payne
| | Crocombe| |
McCowatt is the only one of the young guys getting good mins in a decent league, so he gets the start for me.
Solid bench with Rufer, Kosta, Marco?, Lewis, Surman etc.
If we're looking forward to 2026, which we should be, Kosta shouldn't be a starting player, and arguably neither should Rojas.
Good guys to have in the squad to keep a high standard, mentor the younger ones and make an impact off the bench where needed. But they're not the future of our team.
Good guys to have in the squad to keep a high standard, mentor the younger ones and make an impact off the bench where needed. But they're not the future of our team.
As for the others - yes Payne is NZs best right back at the moment, while Surman and Old IMO are musts to embed in the setup but don't need to start all that often yet. Paulsen absolutely has the guts for it but Crocombe and an improving Sail will be tough competition. Add in Tzanev and we have four goalkeepers who will genuinely believe they could be the starter in 2026! Bloody awesome competition.
I'm still not sure what the deal is with Rufer - he is a bloody good captain for the Nix and is a wrecker in midfield, but just don't know where he fits in the AWs setup at the moment. The AWs have struggled with having a midfield too deep/not contributing in attack enough, making creative guys like Singh and our main striker Wood carry big offensive loads. I love him for the Nix, but don't think he's the solution for NZ right now.
I'm still not sure what the deal is with Rufer - he is a bloody good captain for the Nix and is a wrecker in midfield, but just don't know where he fits in the AWs setup at the moment. The AWs have struggled with having a midfield too deep/not contributing in attack enough, making creative guys like Singh and our main striker Wood carry big offensive loads. I love him for the Nix, but don't think he's the solution for NZ right now.
I think with a mix of 2 of Rufer/lewis/bell we will win a lot of ball and actually hold some possession for once.