If Bell is going to make the assists he does in Norway we have to see Garbett, Just, Stamenic getting into the box. Simple equation for scoring- more players in scoring positions able to receive the passes.
Look I like Stamenic, Rufer, Bell and Garbett in the team. Think that’s probably our best midfield. Put Old in for Just and we’re very competitive imo.
Defense has been better screened and better organised.
Far better performance that first half. More effort on show in that first 45 minutes than there was in the entire 90 in Pasadena.
Garbett has been good, probably our best for mine. Stamenic been alright as well, although with a few more turnovers with passes that should really be connecting. Defence has been solid enough - I don't want to see Tommy Smith again to be honest - Bindon, Surman & Pijnaker in rotation will do me for the future.
Disappointingly the Woodsman has been anonymous once again though, and we really need to develop another right back. Payne can do a job for sure, but these higher quality international sides are finding him out quite easily. Sheridan for the future!
Payne hasn’t been making his case to be an AW much in these two games. Might be carrying a knock?
Wonder if the change with Just was pre-planned? If so like it. Was wondering if there could be a bit of undirected interchanging between Stamenic and Garbett.
Surman must be happier with this, after the Olympics.
Payne loses out and stays down. Get a hair cut, drink a V man!
Payne did his hamstring 2 months ago in Vanuatu and these 2 games are the first he’s played since. So lacking sharpness and conditioning
See that the Pooch has been confirmed as the new US coach
Don’t get all the Bell hate. Think he’s been good. We want him trying to make passes. That’s where our goals will come from.
I like him out there well enough, just think he lacks a little something in the attacking half.
He’s wanting to increase the ball speed and find runs from his teammates. Perhaps even play some one touch.
And he’s won a lot of ball.
He’s not guna Jonah it like Libby does.
God I wish we’d had Surman against Mexico. Surely Smith is done.
Smith wasn't the worst CB last game though plus he was the only player who got an attacking moment in that game.
He’s not the future though.
And it’s about our defensive organisation and who we’re listening to in key moments. Their ‘goal’ Pijnaker charges out, without cover and Payne plays the guy onside because he’s worried about his pace. They’ve gotta be talking about that.
I think this is a better defensive shape. I think Just has grown into the game a bit, although he’s still off the pace.
I’d love to have seen this team against Mexico.
And all the midfield have had some good forward passes, but their defense has mopped things up.
We’ve just struggled to put a foot on the ball and progress the ball up the pitch.
Thats the issue with Bell and Rufer is that they both lack the passing ability at this level to play through lines and dribble with the ball.
I’d like to see Stamenic dropped back in there and Old come into the No10 and Just off the pitch.
The Storm Roux situation needs to be investigated on why he’s not being selected for our NT.
Payne struggles massively at this level against stronger and more athletic wingers.
Otherwise not too bad, pleased with Surman and Pijnaker thus far.
YoungHeartHM
Far better performance that first half. More effort on show in that first 45 minutes than there was in the entire 90 in Pasadena.
Garbett has been good, probably our best for mine. Stamenic been alright as well, although with a few more turnovers with passes that should really be connecting. Defence has been solid enough - I don't want to see Tommy Smith again to be honest - Bindon, Surman & Pijnaker in rotation will do me for the future.
Disappointingly the Woodsman has been anonymous once again though, and we really need to develop another right back. Payne can do a job for sure, but these higher quality international sides are finding him out quite easily. Sheridan for the future!
Arrrgh, should have hit it earlier. Narrowed the angle with the last touch for the keeper to make a save there.
Great counter though. Would like to see the side on replay again though, thought Just had just gone in behind the US defender before Stamenic slid the pass in behind. Would have been close to offside.
That’s absolutely world class from Marko Stamenic.
I hope to see this more often from him because that’s honestly what’s separating him from the next level is that ability to dribble and play a defense unlocking ball like he did there.
That’s absolutely world class from Marko Stamenic.
I hope to see this more often from him because that’s honestly what’s separating him from the next level is that ability to dribble and play a defense unlocking ball like he did there.
most of us here go on and on about Singh or Thomas being or most important creative player/midfielder but I actually think Stamenic is the one. Sooner or later he'll be in the Premiership as NZs most important player, especially when Wood retires.
Crocombe doing well to keep us in the game, Seems to have gotten over his shaky game against mexico. Time for us to bring on the replacements, payne looked wrecked.
