Hmmmm its a pity this new danfangled automatic qualifying scenario didnt happen 2 or 3 WC cycles ago. If NZF had the cushion of three world cups worth of windfalls sitting pretty in the kitty, they might they be in a position to assess Japan spitting the dummy objectively. Unfortunately ain't gonna happen as things currently stand.
It would be a NZ football fans wet dream. A worthwhile confederation cup to compete in. Regular and meaningful home and away games full of jeapody and tension. Our professional domestic franchises able to compete beyond just the A League. Competitive outings that strengthen our youth sides as YH pointed out.
If the hypothetical new confederation got 4 slots we should be backing ourselves to usurp the likes of China and Vietnam. If it only got 3 and a play off I still think it'd be worth a shake. We've got a potential golden generation that needs to be battle hardened by more meaningful fixtures. We might not get it in the first cycle but after a bit of getting used to the new lay of the land who is to say we couldn't catch our Trans Tasman rivals or South Korea out on an off day?
It would be a NZ football fans wet dream. A worthwhile confederation cup to compete in. Regular and meaningful home and away games full of jeapody and tension. Our professional domestic franchises able to compete beyond just the A League. Competitive outings that strengthen our youth sides as YH pointed out.
If the hypothetical new confederation got 4 slots we should be backing ourselves to usurp the likes of China and Vietnam. If it only got 3 and a play off I still think it'd be worth a shake. We've got a potential golden generation that needs to be battle hardened by more meaningful fixtures. We might not get it in the first cycle but after a bit of getting used to the new lay of the land who is to say we couldn't catch our Trans Tasman rivals or South Korea out on an off day?