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All Whites v Kenya | Sun 3rd June | 2:30am

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Posted June 03, 2018 22:27 · last edited June 03, 2018 22:29

Yeah but with current WC qualifying path through shark hole of ONC, the first 2 years of any cycle mean virtually squat. It really doesn't start until 2020. Like this year, best to just give senior pros a break (keeps their clubs happy, and gives their bodies a proper off season) esp as they really have nothing to prove to Schmid. Is a pity MLS is continuing through this period. Esp keen to see Collier in an AWs shirt (though he's injured now anyhow).

Sure would be great if AWs were improving their shark FIFA ranking - but a FIFA ranking is not what gets you to a WC through ONC. It's beating the Island nations, and then being in the best shape can be (strong player depth, limited injuries, big slice of luck) for 2 huge playoff games in 2021.

So Schmid might as well trial some youngsters now, and see who steps up. Add to the player depth pool. 

Gteed that either 1-2 of big guns Thomas, Wood, Smith or Reid will be out injured come 2021. Reid was out in 2013, and Wood was on one leg 2017. Smith missed game 2 against Peru.

I've heard a rumour NZF are eying up some quality games later this year in the FIFA windows - so hopefully can put out closer to a full strength team. But again it all really starts from 2020.

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Unknown editor edited June 03, 2018 22:29

Yeah but with current WC qualifying path through shark hole of ONC, the first 2 years of any cycle mean virtually squat. It really doesn't start until 2020. Like this year, best to just give senior pros a break (keeps their clubs happy, and gives their bodies a proper off season) esp as they really have nothing to prove to Schmid. Is a pity MLS is continuing through this period. Esp keen to see Collier in an AWs shirt (though he's injured now anyhow).

Sure would be great if AWs were improving their shark FIFA ranking - but a FIFA ranking is not what gets you to a WC through ONC. It's beating the Island nations, and then being in the best shape can be (increased player depth, no injuries, big slice of luck) for 2 huge playoff games in 2021.

So Schmid might as well trial some youngsters now, and see who steps up. Add the player depth pool. 

Gteed that either 1-2 of big guns Thomas, Wood, Smith or Reid will be out injured come 2021. Reid was out in 2013, and Wood was on one leg 2017. Smith missed game 2 against Peru.

I've heard a rumour NZF are eying up some quality games later this year in the FIFA windows - so hopefully can put out closer to a full strength team. But again it all really starts from 2020.

Unknown editor edited June 03, 2018 22:28

Yeah but with current WC qualifying path through shark hole of ONC, the first 2 years of any cycle mean virtually squat. It really doesn't start until 2020. Like this year, best to just give senior pros a break (keeps both their clubs happy, and gives their bodies a proper off season) esp as they really have nothing to prove to Schmid. Is a pity MLS is continuing through this period. Esp keen to see Collier in an AWs shirt (though he's injured anyhow).

Sure would be great if AWs were improving their shark FIFA ranking - but a FIFA ranking is not what gets you to a WC through ONC. It's beating the Island nations, and then being in the best shape can be (increased player depth, no injuries, big slice of luck) for 2 huge playoff games in 2021.

So Schmid might as well trial some youngsters now, and see who steps up. Add the player depth pool. 

Gteed that either 1-2 of big guns Thomas, Wood, Smith or Reid will be out injured come 2021. Reid was out in 2013, and Wood was on one leg 2017. Smith missed game 2 against Peru.

I've heard a rumour NZF are eying up some quality games later this year in the FIFA windows - so hopefully can put out closer to a full strength team. But again it all really starts from 2020.