WCQ Semi All Whites v Fiji | Fri 21st Mar | 7:00pm | Sky Stadium | March at 6pm

So to the NZ strip for tonight - are we turning out in white, black or something in between? I'm assuming white......

I'll try the FIFA+ stream for this one

What are we expecting in terms of a scoreline tonight? 

A fair few of that Fijian camp were in the squad that was trounced 9-0 by the OlyWhites about 18 months back, and in all honesty I can see a similar type of score being run up. Saving grace may be us taking our foot off the pedal if we are cruising after H/T or the hour mark.

As much as I want a bit of a test for our boys, I'm struggling to see one eventuate.

Faaar out, this NCL/Tahiti game is ugly as they come

A couple of lovely goals by New Cale to earn the win.

mrsmiis

Faaar out, this NCL/Tahiti game is ugly as they come

Those were some “robust” tackles, makes me wonder what tonight’s winner are in for in Auckland.

Besties Smith & Wood.

Prematch walk around Wellington 🏡🇳🇿

🇳🇿⚔️🇫🇯 | Sky Stadium, 7PM TONIGHT 💪 pic.twitter.com/M4jVJ1VnYa

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 21, 2025

Simon B

mrsmiis

Faaar out, this NCL/Tahiti game is ugly as they come

Those were some “robust” tackles, makes me wonder what tonight’s winner are in for in Auckland.

We beat Fiji 11 - 0. Then lose "the Battle of the Garden of Eden" 0 -1. Headlines, recriminations, resignations, etc. etc.

YoungHeartHM

What are we expecting in terms of a scoreline tonight? 

A fair few of that Fijian camp were in the squad that was trounced 9-0 by the OlyWhites about 18 months back, and in all honesty I can see a similar type of score being run up. Saving grace may be us taking our foot off the pedal if we are cruising after H/T or the hour mark.

As much as I want a bit of a test for our boys, I'm struggling to see one eventuate.

I'm picking 1-0 at half time. Then our fitness kills them and we win 4-0. They will have 10 behind the ball for most of the game. 

Here are your confirmed line-ups for today's second semi-final, as New Zealand take on Fiji for the right to play New Caledonia in Monday's final.

🇳🇿🇫🇯

Watch all the action LIVE and FREE on FIFA+https://t.co/rukLf9AGzd#OneOceaniaForOceania #OceaniaQualifiers #WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/Dkqftdr99X

— Oceania Football Confederation (@OFCfootball) March 21, 2025

Crocombe starts in goal.

Matt Garbett gets the start despite being frozen out at his club (although he has been playing reserves games for them i believe)

Defying predictions late comers Boxall, Bell & McCowatt all into the starting lineup.

Interesting. Boxall is 36. 

Jessie Merino

Interesting. Boxall is 36. 

Playing weekly in the mls. I think he will cope against fiji

Elemenop

Jessie Merino

Interesting. Boxall is 36. 

Playing weekly in the mls. I think he will cope against fiji

Two POTW awards this MLS season already to boot. He won't have much to do today, but playing better than ever it seems. Will come under pressure though from Surman next 12 months to keep his RCB starting spot.

From what I saw of Fiji v East Subs, their striker likes putting himself about a bit. Hope Boxall keeps his cool.

Very surprised that the three latecomers are all in the starting line up 

Baz may not rate the A league 

Lead story on the sports on 1News.

We are massive.

Jessie Merino

From what I saw of Fiji v East Subs, their striker likes putting himself about a bit. Hope Boxall keeps his cool.

Dogalau - Big lad. Surprised he's only on the bench for them. They're not going to have much of the ball, but he'd be a good physical presence up top for them.

Crowd looks poor

And Jesus is anyone singing the anthem!!

We've done so much to just shift the culture and mentality towards football over the last half decade. I just couldn't handle it if the dream dies before it even begins.

I even say this married to a Fijian. So a bit tense in our household tonight but I hope the boys can put Fiji to the sword and calm those nerves and negative thoughts early doors.

I think the crowd is actually pretty good... we should be comfortable winners and Monday is really the big night.

I want an early goal to force Fiji to be a little more proactive and make it more of a game.

Did they water the pitch enough?  lol

Whoever is in charge of watering the pitch needs a kick up the arse. 

Three slips in the first minute...

Lovely stuff

Good delivery by Singh

I hope we get rid of that terrible teal colour on the numbers, names and collars and replace it with Black before the World Cup 

That was a chance, Fiji.

Singh.  Love him.

So anyway, lock in that New Zealand v New Caledonia game for Monday.

New kit with far less teal and much more black already on sale

AucklandPhoenix

I hope we get rid of that terrible teal colour on the numbers, names and collars and replace it with Black before the World Cup 

 

I've just heard Thomas Dunn's name mentioned 20+ times in the last 5 mins. It's OK, we get it thanks

YoungHeartHM

So anyway, lock in that New Zealand v New Caledonia game for Monday.

 Once we get out third.  Yup.  Which will happen very soon by the looks of it.

They're celebrating each and every goal.  Loving it.

Banzai!...AIEEE!!!

YoungHeartHM

So anyway, lock in that New Zealand v New Caledonia game for Monday.

 Once we get out third.  Yup.  Which will happen very soon by the looks of it.

There's three.

Game over. 

I forgot how lovely it is to watch Sarpreet play. Just a joy. 

Payne not doing much. Looks slow to me.

Elemenop

Payne not doing much. Looks slow to me.

 That wasn't slow, bud.

Banzai!...AIEEE!!!

Elemenop

Payne not doing much. Looks slow to me.

 That wasn't slow, bud.

Just standing there and kicked it. 😄 🤣 

Boys against men. This does absolutely nothing for the development of NZ football.