All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams

2026 WCQ vs Tahiti | Fri 11th Oct | 3pm

170 replies · 10,399 views
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Niche Cache's analysis of why Rogerson has been picked.
 
And Bazeley chatting to Voerman has acknowledged, De Jong is in the mix and needs to keep doing what he's doing in South Africa. Maybe a November call up, if the goals & assists continue with Stellenbosch.

But at the end of the day these next 6 AWs games through to the end of the March window, won't tell us that much. The opposition will just be too weak.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2024/10/3/all-whites-vs-tahiti-amp-malaysia-squad-yarns-amp-preview#google_vignette

Ben Waine just scored his first goal on loan at Mansfield Town so that’ll boost his confidence right in time for these games. His noggin was responsible for the equaliser against USA. Logan Rogerson also helped with that fluke of a goal, having been a late replacement for that trip. Not sure exactly what he’s done to get into the All Whites mix after hardly having played all year. He was limited by injury at FC Noah and his Auckland FC season hasn’t even begun. At a guess, he’s a profile pick. They wanted someone fast who can run the flanks to complement a squad with lots of inverted wingers and the speedy Rogerson fits the bill. His AFC teammates Liam Gillion, Jesse Randall, and Joey Champness also have similar profiles while the Wellington Phoenix boast one or two such blokes of their own. Not really anyone on the pro scene of that ilk though. Not unless you count the time Libby Cacace came off the bench as a winger for Empoli a few weeks ago (Ben Old is a runner but he’s not that type of runner).
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over 1 year ago
imanixsupporter
It is honestly so bizarre that Rogerson keeps his spot with someone like de Jong available. He's done nothing of note in quite a while in club football and didn't dazzle in the last window for which he was a last second injury call-up. I guess it shows how strong the incumbency bias is for Baze. That'd also explain why Pijnaker has kept his spot for so long. 
We don't have a lot of wide options
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over 1 year ago
lthomas20
imanixsupporter
It is honestly so bizarre that Rogerson keeps his spot with someone like de Jong available. He's done nothing of note in quite a while in club football and didn't dazzle in the last window for which he was a last second injury call-up. I guess it shows how strong the incumbency bias is for Baze. That'd also explain why Pijnaker has kept his spot for so long. 
We don't have a lot of wide options

Just, a genuine winger and the only one recently, has been our most capped player of late. 


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over 1 year ago
None of our forwards ever get very wide so I figured it didn't much matter. Rogerson was a replacement for Singh in the last window wasn't he? 
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over 1 year ago
That first Malaysian goal! Stunning individual brilliance and tenacity!
coochiee
Usual good stuff from Niche Cache, incl an interesting breakdown of the Malaysian team (eclectic mix of players, a bit like neighbours Indonesia) who certainly look like being the tougher game on paper if they are near full strength.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2024/10/3/all-whites-vs-tahiti-amp-malaysia-squad-yarns-amp-preview

Highlights of Malaysia's 3-3 draw against Sth Korea at the Asian Cup earlier this year. A dead rubber last round pool game, but the Malays most notable result of late.

https://youtu.be/wjpw4T1ACyw
football tragic for too long


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over 1 year ago
if we dont have wide players, then surely Bazely changes his tactics - that is after all his job!

Queenslander 3x a year.

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over 1 year ago
theprof
if we dont have wide players, then surely Bazely changes his tactics - that is after all his job!

As you do sometimes within a match, so need a variety of players on the pine
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over 1 year ago
coochiee
theprof
if we dont have wide players, then surely Bazely changes his tactics - that is after all his job!

As you do sometimes within a match, so need a variety of players on the pine

That relies on the variety exosting, if it doesnt then you adapt your style instead of expecting players to fit a shape.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Rogerson from memory looked okay in his USA cameo. Was the option for Pijnaker's long ball, leading to Waine's flukey goal. The suspicion is Corica's told Bazeley he's going well in preseason. Helps that NZF and Auckland FC are based in the same postcode. Tougher for say De Jong, off the radar far more.

But yeah if Logan offers something different to the rest of the AWs forward line, that could be reason enough to pick him. As has been spoken about is going to lots of young Kiwi attackers in the ALM this season. Rojas as well. Rogerson will have to be playing very well to stave off the competition by the time the March 2024 window rolls around, to keep his spot. The ALM being only in pre season mode has favoured him this time.
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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Sounds like the bulk of squad will arrive in Vanuatu tomorrow to prepare for Friday's match. Some late arrivals though won't get to Port Vila until Wednesday.

I'm guessing the Johnny-come-latelys will be those who played in Europe overnight. Wood, Stamenic, Just & Libby. Coming in so late may mean they start on the bench against Tahiti.

This is the team that started the Nations Cup Final and got the job done (a 3-0 win) back in June against Vanuatu.
Crocombe, Cacace, Sutton (RB), Surman, Bindon, Howieson, Rufer, Just, Old, Barbarouses, Waine

Possible starting 11 on Friday (7 ALM guys)
Crocombe, Sutton, Roux, Boxall, Pijnaker, Howieson, Rufer, Garbett, Rogerson, Barbarouses, Waine 

Garbett & Boxall should be well rested even after their long travel. Neither played on the weekend.

The Nations Cup squad had a good long camp together, and often scored a goal(s) early in games in that tourney to kill off any hope the Island teams had of an upset. The performance this Friday may start off a bit scratchy with the short sharp lead in. But if likes of Libby, Stamenic, Old, Wood are coming off the bench should over run the tiring part time Tahitians.

From what I can see Tahiti still haven't named their squad yet.

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/tahiti-prepare-for-a-challenging-start-to-fifa-world-cup-26-oceania-qualifiers/

That’s the challenge facing Tahiti coach Samuel Garcia, as they take on Darren Bazeley’s New Zealand in their opening match in Port Vila next week.

The Group B opener features two sides who contested the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in June at the same venue, a match convincingly won 5-0 by the Kiwis.

Garcia is adamant that this being a World Cup Qualifier is a completely different situation for his team and has expressed his excitement about facing New Zealand, a team he acknowledges as the favourites to secure direct entry to the FIFA World Cup 26™.

“It’s not a simple game because New Zealand is the big team,” he said. “But I believe this match will give us a clear idea of where we stand. It’s an opportunity to measure our level against the best.”

Drawing from the OFC Men’s Nations Cup semi-final defeat, Garcia felt his side has learned plenty and will make the necessary adjustments to be competitive in Port Vila.

“In that match, we struggled with possession,” he noted. “This time, we need to focus on defence and play with intensity and concentration. We’ve studied New Zealand’s recent games, and I’m confident we can put up a strong fight.”

He’s also pleased to be facing the All Whites in Port Vila where the conditions are trickier than playing New Zealand on a smoother playing pitch in their own backyard.

“We have a chance,” Garcia remarked.

Looking beyond the New Zealand match, the affable coach highlighted the significance of the subsequent games against Samoa in Hamilton (November 15) and Vanuatu in Auckland (November 18).

“Those matches are crucial,” Garcia said. “The competition is tight, and all the teams, Vanuatu, Samoa, and us are closely matched. If we can secure points early on, it will set a strong foundation for the qualifiers.”

Garcia’s squad will closely resemble the team he took to the Nations Cup but with one or two additions

“We’re preparing a strong team. Injuries are always a concern, but I believe we have what it takes to compete.”
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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/chris-wood-interview

https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/michael-boxall-new-zealand-defender

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over 1 year ago
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over 1 year ago
Won't be able to watch live sadly. How soon after the game ends will the match be on FIFA+ do you reckon?

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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over 1 year ago
newzealandpower
Won't be able to watch live sadly. How soon after the game ends will the match be on FIFA+ do you reckon?
I think from memory it's usually up less than 2hrs after finishing. Maybe around 90 minutes after?
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over 1 year ago
newzealandpower
Won't be able to watch live sadly. How soon after the game ends will the match be on FIFA+ do you reckon?
Checked for the replay of the Solomon Islands vs Fiji game tonight and it was available when I looked 1hr 15 after the match finished (could be even earlier but thats just when I thought to look)

Good to know for those of us watching delayed tomorrow that it should be up at least that quickly
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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350441866/all-whites-v-tahiti-all-you-need-know-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifier

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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Strong side. No mucking about. Out to make a statement.
Had thought Roux would start this one as the Mariners begin their ALM season next Friday, but yeah seems Bazeley taking no risks today.

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over 1 year ago
Good to see with this line up that we are taking these qualifiers seriously.

Looking forward to seeing more of Chris Wood this window - we couldn't really get him in the games at all last month against stronger opponents. He could have a bit of a field day today. Think it could be exciting to see some link up play between Wood and Old.

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over 1 year ago
Oh my god I hate the 30'' unskippable ad on Fifa+ for the service that I'm using to watch the game. That, plus the inability to rewind game footage is so poor.

Also, GOOOOOALLLL!
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over 1 year ago
Just opens the scoring with a good strike.

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over 1 year ago
Wusty Wab
Just opens the scoring with a good strike.


Pretty much just like his strike for his club side last weekend. 

Great start 👏
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over 1 year ago
I dunno why we trying long balls over their defense. Just pass around them like for the goal. Annoying we just taking these pointless punts.
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over 1 year ago
We should tear them apart. Their defence looks short of ideas, twice now they have just kicked it out
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over 1 year ago
Managed to duck out of work early. Will ask for forgiveness later on Monday. Just got in and missed the goal. What was it like?
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over 1 year ago
Rock Hopper
Managed to duck out of work early. Will ask for forgiveness later on Monday. Just got in and missed the goal. What was it like?
 Scuffed clearance fell to Rufer who laid it off to Just, Just found himself some space at the top of the box on the right hand side and hit a curling left footer into the top left corner 
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over 1 year ago
Nice finish. Came from an intercepted clearance which I think Rufer nabbed and passed to Just who was at the near corner of the 18 yard box. He then drubbed across the top and unleashed a beautiful curved ball into the top left corner of the net.
Rock Hopper
Managed to duck out of work early. Will ask for forgiveness later on Monday. Just got in and missed the goal. What was it like?
 
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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Thanks for the update, team. Blessed be Fifa+ liack of rewind
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over 1 year ago
Passing in the final third has been sharke.

Three for me, and two for them.

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over 1 year ago
We are making some good runs, but missing the last pass! Plenty of space out there, just not connecting with the run into the box,.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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over 1 year ago
I think the complete train wreck of a final third we have is likely poor tactics from the manager. It's a fudgeing disaster, it's like no one knows what they are meant to be doing. What's the plan?
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over 1 year ago
Nommag
I think the complete train wreck of a final third we have is likely poor tactics from the manager. It's a fudgeing disaster, it's like no one knows what they are meant to be doing. What's the plan?

The bumpy pitch is not helping but they just have to keep it simple and play into feet and there has to be more movement off the ball
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over 1 year ago
Disappointed Roux not starting, Payne does produce enough for me and seems to spend to much time moaning to the ref. 
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over 1 year ago
Watching bits & pieces with sound off. But the pitch looks even worse than it was back in June. Makes it harder to play a smooth passing game.

The Taihiti manager during the week acknowledged it would help them.
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over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Don’t you love the scoreboard?
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