First meeting between the 2 teams from memory.
All Whites v Tunisia | Wed 27th March | 9:00am | FIFA+
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The atmosphere will likely be a bit more sterile and less intimidating, than the Egyptian match. Looked a small crowd for the Tunisia v Croatia game
That will help the younger AWs. Old looked a bit spooked against Egypt. Lots of poor touches
See Big Pete’s comment.
imanixsupporter
Cripes I’m dopey at the moment. Sorry fella. I suspect there might be something on the YouTubes if we’re lucky.
Some Croatia v Tunisia highlights here, which bizarrely finish before the pen shootout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ZSRac81EM
Game of few chances by the looks. Tunisia denied a 1st half goal by VAR, offside at a free kick. Seems they mostly played (had a back 3/5) on the fast counter, Modric & Co having most of the ball. Fair bit of the Tunisians milking fouls rolling around clutching their face.
They may setup a bit more attacking against lesser lights NZ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ZSRac81EM
Game of few chances by the looks. Tunisia denied a 1st half goal by VAR, offside at a free kick. Seems they mostly played (had a back 3/5) on the fast counter, Modric & Co having most of the ball. Fair bit of the Tunisians milking fouls rolling around clutching their face.
They may setup a bit more attacking against lesser lights NZ.
Their squad
Pos. Player (age) Caps Goals Club
GK Mouez Hassen age 29 | 21 | 0 Club Africain
GK Aymen Dahmen age 27 | 15 | 0 | Al Hazem
GK Bechir Ben Saïd age 31 | 17 | 0 | US Monastir
DF Ali Abdi age 30 | 24 | 2 | Caen
DF Dylan Bronn age 28 | 38 | 2 | Servette
DF Hamza Jelassi age 32 | 1 | 0 | Étoile du Sahel
DF Oussama Haddadi age 32 | 30 | 0 | Greuther Fürth
DF Wajdi Kechrida age 28 | 35 | 0 | Atromitos
DF Alaa Ghram age 22 | 2 | 0 | Club Sfaxien
DF Hamza Mathlouthi age 31 | 36 | 1 | Zamalek
DF Nader Ghandri age 29 | 10 | 0 | Akhmat Grozny
DF Amin Cherni age 22 | 1 | 0 | Laval
DF Ghaith Zaalouni age 21 | 0 | 0 | Club Africain
MF Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane age 24 | 36 | 1 | Ferencváros
MF Hamza Rafia age 24 | 28 | 3 | Lecce
MF Aïssa Laïdouni age 27 | 43 | 2 | Union Berlin
MF Ellyes Skhiri (captain) age 28 | 65 | 3 | Eintracht Frankfurt
MF Hadj Mahmoud age 23 | 0 | 0 | Lugano
MF Mootez Zaddem age 23 | 2 | 0 | Al Masry
MF Samy Chouchane age 20 | 0 | 0 | Brighton & Hove Albion U21
MF Faissal Mannai age 28 | 0 | 0 | US Monastir
FW Haythem Jouini age 30 | 11 | 2 | Stade Tunisien
FW Sayfallah Ltaief age 23 | 10 | 0 | Winterthur
FW Seifeddine Jaziri age 31 | 34 | 10 | Zamalek
FW Elias Achouri age 25 | 13 | 1 | Copenhagen
FW Elias Saad age 24 | 0 | 0 | FC St Pauli
GK Mouez Hassen age 29 | 21 | 0 Club Africain
GK Aymen Dahmen age 27 | 15 | 0 | Al Hazem
GK Bechir Ben Saïd age 31 | 17 | 0 | US Monastir
DF Ali Abdi age 30 | 24 | 2 | Caen
DF Dylan Bronn age 28 | 38 | 2 | Servette
DF Hamza Jelassi age 32 | 1 | 0 | Étoile du Sahel
DF Oussama Haddadi age 32 | 30 | 0 | Greuther Fürth
DF Wajdi Kechrida age 28 | 35 | 0 | Atromitos
DF Alaa Ghram age 22 | 2 | 0 | Club Sfaxien
DF Hamza Mathlouthi age 31 | 36 | 1 | Zamalek
DF Nader Ghandri age 29 | 10 | 0 | Akhmat Grozny
DF Amin Cherni age 22 | 1 | 0 | Laval
DF Ghaith Zaalouni age 21 | 0 | 0 | Club Africain
MF Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane age 24 | 36 | 1 | Ferencváros
MF Hamza Rafia age 24 | 28 | 3 | Lecce
MF Aïssa Laïdouni age 27 | 43 | 2 | Union Berlin
MF Ellyes Skhiri (captain) age 28 | 65 | 3 | Eintracht Frankfurt
MF Hadj Mahmoud age 23 | 0 | 0 | Lugano
MF Mootez Zaddem age 23 | 2 | 0 | Al Masry
MF Samy Chouchane age 20 | 0 | 0 | Brighton & Hove Albion U21
MF Faissal Mannai age 28 | 0 | 0 | US Monastir
FW Haythem Jouini age 30 | 11 | 2 | Stade Tunisien
FW Sayfallah Ltaief age 23 | 10 | 0 | Winterthur
FW Seifeddine Jaziri age 31 | 34 | 10 | Zamalek
FW Elias Achouri age 25 | 13 | 1 | Copenhagen
FW Elias Saad age 24 | 0 | 0 | FC St Pauli
I hope we score a goal. 🙏
It's all good and well to be competitive, but I'd love to see more intent in that final third. We created enough against Egypt to get a result, we're just lacking that killer instinct that the really good teams have. The frustrating thing is that I don't think we're a million miles away either.
Alas, another tough African opponent, but i'm buoyed by the fact that in the past couple of windows we've managed a positive result from at least one of our two matches. Would like to see a few of the younger lads get given some game time as well given a few in this squad will be in the Oly Whites for Paris later on this year too.
Bindon/Surman/Paulsen/Old/Waine to start would certainly be a trial by fire. Although I would understand if that's not the case and we're a bit more conservative on that front.
It's all good and well to be competitive, but I'd love to see more intent in that final third. We created enough against Egypt to get a result, we're just lacking that killer instinct that the really good teams have. The frustrating thing is that I don't think we're a million miles away either.
Alas, another tough African opponent, but i'm buoyed by the fact that in the past couple of windows we've managed a positive result from at least one of our two matches. Would like to see a few of the younger lads get given some game time as well given a few in this squad will be in the Oly Whites for Paris later on this year too.
Bindon/Surman/Paulsen/Old/Waine to start would certainly be a trial by fire. Although I would understand if that's not the case and we're a bit more conservative on that front.
The atmosphere will likely be a bit more sterile and less intimidating, than the Egyptian match. Looked a small crowd for the Tunisia v Croatia game
That will help the younger AWs. Old looked a bit spooked against Egypt. Lots of poor touches
Just let us score at least one decent goal! I wanna see a smile on Singh’s face. If we score I promise I won’t have any opinions after the game, I’ll just cheer!
Even though we're not scoring often, there is one positive change in recent years.
I feel like 10 years ago plus fans (and I'm guessing here, but probably the squad too) were happy to lose games as long as we played well overall/scored a goal/gave the opposition a good run. I.e. as long as we weren't pumped people were happy. People would not be upset losing only 1-0 to Egypt - one of Africa's best teams.
Nowadays we expect more, we want to get a result. And that comes from a greater expectation and belief, which in turn comes from the fact we know we have quality on the pitch.
I feel the results will start to come in the coming years, but there's positive signs.
I feel like 10 years ago plus fans (and I'm guessing here, but probably the squad too) were happy to lose games as long as we played well overall/scored a goal/gave the opposition a good run. I.e. as long as we weren't pumped people were happy. People would not be upset losing only 1-0 to Egypt - one of Africa's best teams.
Nowadays we expect more, we want to get a result. And that comes from a greater expectation and belief, which in turn comes from the fact we know we have quality on the pitch.
I feel the results will start to come in the coming years, but there's positive signs.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350215922/all-whites-play-best-opponent-next-step-their-evolution
While a clash with the team ranked No 10 (Croatia) in the world by FIFA would have been a big deal for the All Whites, it’s not what they need right now.
While a clash with the team ranked No 10 (Croatia) in the world by FIFA would have been a big deal for the All Whites, it’s not what they need right now.
They would have found themselves defending like Tunisia, who mustered just 30% of possession and took four shots to 14, and they would have gained very little.
World No 103 New Zealand’s big work-on – the next step in their evolution, as coach Darren Bazeley and influential midfielder Sarpreet Singh put it after the defeat against Egypt – is turning the good football they are playing in the middle third and much of the attacking third into shots and goals.
New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix defender Finn Surman has been left out of Wednesday’s All Whites squad to play Tunisia after suffering an injury in training.
NZ Football say Surman (20) received a head knock during a training session.
If Black bibs are going to be the starters, then Rufer & Old stay on the pine, and Ingham joins them (Bindon in at RB).
Sucks for Surman, but don't think it will really affect the All Whites. I doubt Bazeley would have started with a Bindon/Surman partnership anyway, and Bindon would very likely have started if one of them was to.
I don't expect Surman will be able to play against Brisbane so it is fortunate that Bazeley isn't a fan of Rufer & that Cacace plays every minute as we will be wanting either Alex or LKH to be as fresh as possible to partner Wootton on Sunday.
I suspect Bazeley is going to go with a fairly unchanged XI, with all the talk about taking the next step to score and win against the sort of teams we are playing. Pretty hard to take he next step if you mix things up completely with a brand new side. I'm picking everyone who started against Egypt to keep their places, with the only possible exceptions being Mata, Pijnaker, McCowatt & Garbett (though I expect at least one of the latter two to keep their spot). Waine, Just & Bindon the most likely to come in.
I don't expect Surman will be able to play against Brisbane so it is fortunate that Bazeley isn't a fan of Rufer & that Cacace plays every minute as we will be wanting either Alex or LKH to be as fresh as possible to partner Wootton on Sunday.
I suspect Bazeley is going to go with a fairly unchanged XI, with all the talk about taking the next step to score and win against the sort of teams we are playing. Pretty hard to take he next step if you mix things up completely with a brand new side. I'm picking everyone who started against Egypt to keep their places, with the only possible exceptions being Mata, Pijnaker, McCowatt & Garbett (though I expect at least one of the latter two to keep their spot). Waine, Just & Bindon the most likely to come in.
I hope Waine starts. The way Singh plays around the penalty area would suit him much more than Mata.
I don’t like the idea of one up front. Or at least isolated and up against 2 or 3 defenders.
And I’m kinda of annoyed that we somewhat wasted our best chance of simulating a competitive knockout game with a big crowd playing a team which clearly isn’t our number one.
If the reason is Bazeley doesn’t know our number one team, maybe fair enough.
And I don’t like the idea of Bindon at RB, but we don’t seem to have selected any other cover there. Which a journo should be asking about? Roux and Wilkins are no hopes?
Wonder if Boxy would fancy a gallop out wide again for auld lang syne?
If we play Kosta, we really should be trying to play to his strengths or not bother at all. As a forward, not midfield and trying to play on the transition.
Not sure how much we’ll see of Garbett or Singh?
Anyhou- let’s see what we get tomorrow.
Come on White!
And I’m kinda of annoyed that we somewhat wasted our best chance of simulating a competitive knockout game with a big crowd playing a team which clearly isn’t our number one.
If the reason is Bazeley doesn’t know our number one team, maybe fair enough.
And I don’t like the idea of Bindon at RB, but we don’t seem to have selected any other cover there. Which a journo should be asking about? Roux and Wilkins are no hopes?
Wonder if Boxy would fancy a gallop out wide again for auld lang syne?
If we play Kosta, we really should be trying to play to his strengths or not bother at all. As a forward, not midfield and trying to play on the transition.
Not sure how much we’ll see of Garbett or Singh?
Anyhou- let’s see what we get tomorrow.
Come on White!
On ya Boxy
Bizarrely, yesterday when I looked, FIFA+ had the match stream scheduled for 8.50 am today (Tuesday)
It's now been amended to the correct time, 8.50 am Wednesday.
Streaming here:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/new-zealand-v-tunisia-play-off-for-third-place-fifa-series-2024-egypt/f8b6bbc2-41d2-4d4e-aae4-99220e47fa29?gl=nz
Egypt v Croatia will be streaming live here and available after as a video on You Tube
(Arabic commentary):
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsUnitedeg/streams
Highlights will also be there on that Sports United channel.
It's now been amended to the correct time, 8.50 am Wednesday.
Streaming here:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/new-zealand-v-tunisia-play-off-for-third-place-fifa-series-2024-egypt/f8b6bbc2-41d2-4d4e-aae4-99220e47fa29?gl=nz
Egypt v Croatia will be streaming live here and available after as a video on You Tube
(Arabic commentary):
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsUnitedeg/streams
Highlights will also be there on that Sports United channel.
One news did run a story on tonight's bulletin which was good to see. But shame on you Newshub. Once again they are more interested in who is in the starting 13 for the Warriors and rugby to be bothered.
Edit: Starting XIII not IX and other formatting, grammar errors.
Edit: Starting XIII not IX and other formatting, grammar errors.
Looking like there's going to be no way to catch the replay of this?
See Big Pete’s comment.
We should be really grateful for this chance and invitation- outside the football what an amazing experience for the players! Thank you Egypt!
it says nothing about a NZ Tunisia replay
Pumped for this match. We did well against Egypt in transition. Lewis provided such clever passing to split the first line and should retain his spot.
We just relied on miracle passes in the final third. I rate Singh but I suspect that a conservative manager would find his style of play a little hit or miss. We find it exciting but others may not.
Hope to see Old and Kosta start -I think bringing club combinations into the team are helpful
We just relied on miracle passes in the final third. I rate Singh but I suspect that a conservative manager would find his style of play a little hit or miss. We find it exciting but others may not.
Hope to see Old and Kosta start -I think bringing club combinations into the team are helpful
it says nothing about a NZ Tunisia replaymartinb
imanixsupporter
See Big Pete’s comment.
Looking like there's going to be no way to catch the replay of this?
See Big Pete’s comment.
Cripes I’m dopey at the moment. Sorry fella. I suspect there might be something on the YouTubes if we’re lucky.
🥇 The final winning team at training of the tour 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/r2G7tjB1Tt
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 26, 2024
🗣️ “We can compete against a team ranked in the 30s and be really disappointed that we’ve lost a game…
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 26, 2024
“ultimately this group is ready to take that next step and start turning performances into results.”
Darren Bazeley on what he hopes to see vs Tunisia. pic.twitter.com/2iXWlh6UGG
A better lineup with 6 ex or current phoenix starting. Only complaint is Smith starting and Garbett over Lewis.
Happy with the line-up. Would have had Surman ahead of Smith but that's not an option. Hope Paulsen gets a few minutes at the end.
Nando's on the bench! Nando's om the bench! We're gonna keep a clean sheet! Nando's on the bench!
Come on the All Whites!
stream is buffering like crazy :( :(
Aaaaarrrrrghhhh!!! Painful!
More of that without the offside whistle being blown please, Boyz!
More of that without the offside whistle being blown please, Boyz!
Smith doesn’t seem able to pass with his right foot. No wonder he’s back the a league!
Nice to see a variation to a free kick. Carcace has a rocket of a shot.
We are dominating this, plenty of decent chances already.
Even with less posession we look more likely to score.
Even with less posession we look more likely to score.
Good ball in under pressure by McCowatt. What could have been?! He certainly hasn't been Mr. Invisible this morning. Keep the Fire up, lads. The goal is coming!
Garbett looking a bit tired. Probably Waine ahead of him would have been a fresher team.
Carcace's crossing has been poor so far, which is unlike him.
VAR VAR VAR