Good for confidence against a USA team under disorganization and lacking confidence themselves. Although I am chuffed for the draw let's not get ahead of ourselves, we were still fairly dominated on the summary of the match and lucky to have come away with a draw. Crocombe was great today and some of the boys can be happy with their contribution. Still, we just can't create and we just can't finish. But getting thumped by higher ranked nations will eventually be good for us. I wonder if NZF can organise some kind of annual fixture between stronger international nations and throw a trophy around it maybe even throw Aussie in the mix. Not sure why we don't lean on the ANZAC theme. Wishful thinking I know but, I really do think the major thing holding this country's football success back is a lack of something to play for, that not only gets the players concentration but also gives something for the fans to create a buzz around. Our schedules are random and inconsistent. Stale. All I can describe it as.
About 70-80% of the Soceroos windows are taken up with either Asian Cup qualifying or World Cup qualifying.
The other 20-30% of windows the FA want them playing bigger nations, for football's profile in Australia, and likewise Arnie wants to test his players against big teams, to improve. Find out which players can step up, and which can't. They don't really want to play the AWs at all.
But we have had a little feast of games against them in the last 2 years. Twice in 2022 & once last year. None of the games were that memorable, the AWs barely firing a shot on target over the 3 matches. Arnie won't be in rush to play us again for the Soccer Ashes (trophy that was refound after many years lost). Playing the likes of 94th ranked NZ, he learns very little as he's openly said over here in Oz.
I enjoyed watching these 2 games Stateside, even if $%#@&$ FIFA+ was unavailable. Friendly time zone for once, reminder of what's coming in 2026, and an encouraging performance this morning.
NZF have done bloody well since the AWs reformed post Covid in 2021. Regular games each FIFA window, and since Peru in 2022 plenty of quality, FIFA top 50 opponents. The matches you really learn from. Not just your Gambias & Curacaos.
If NZF can continue that into 2025 & 2026 I'll be happy. Not that easy with most Confeds busy with WC qualifying into late 2025. Canada & Japan I'm guessing as 2 possibilities already from June next year onwards. Will be 6 AFC teams already qualified by June next year. Probably won't include the Socceroos, who will likely it seems need to go into the AFC next round qualifying. Sth Korea & Japan would be two juicy games for September next year, likely as usual in Asia, but at least in a fairly favourable time zone.
Returning to North America in June 2025 to play Canada this time, plus another team - might be on the table. The 3 automatically qualified CONCACAF hosts will have limited options for friendlies heading into 2026, with most other Confeds in the midst of World Cup qualifying.
Especially as we have presented ourselves as a credible opponent now - won't be many of those around that aren't occupied with qualifiers.
I'm pretty rapped at a somewhat fortuitous result v a top 20 side. That's what we should be aspiring to for now. And great we pulled it off. Matches up at a similar level to the WC result v Italy I think, albeit a friendly and not a major tourney. And that Italy result is obviously a better one.
How chuffed would we be if we were doing this (giving ourselves an outside chance v top 20's) regularly.
If we can get there on a consistent basis then matches v top 40/50 sides become a target for real results that don't rely on good fortune. And we get better for the experiences and matches and confidence at that level.
I'm a sometimes excitable optimistic, but you've got to take the moments to enjoy. And Top 40 is a decent and realistic target for us if we can get the matches.
Really, I know nothing. But that's a fair aspiration, right.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven fit players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Well to look at it another way- for Baze’s tenure to work the players have to take responsibility. There’s a lot of football knowledge out there.
Really liked Wood’s little intervention after the Mexico game. Some of us were saying why he would waste his time turning up for that dross. He essentially went a different route and took some of the failure on himself and the weight off his teammates. I’m sure that helped preparations for this game.
I still think we don’t know our best 11. I really like the extra onfield leadership of Bell and Rufer. Build from the back imo. If we don’t ship goals like against Mexico we can put the pressure on and hit opponents on the counter.
Every very good side has strong on-field leaders and a leadership group that plays a role off field as well.
So long as Bazely is receptive to senior players input and influence and manages the side to constructively include that, given we are never signing a Guardiola, it should not all be on the coach. Woods did a great job mid week.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Who was missing from our best team? The list to choose from isn't very long...
Goals aren't scored when you piss about with it in your own penalty box. Goals can be scored when you pressurize opposition defense in their own area. It's quite simple,but too many current teams and coaches don't get it.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Who was missing from our best team? The list to choose from isn't very long...
Paulsen, Bindon, Singh the main ones. McCowatt when he’s in form.
Didn't get to watch the game live but had an inkling of how it went down despite my best efforts to plug my ears and shout "Lah, Lah, Lah" when the sports news breaks would cut through on the radio at work. Was great viewing of the replay when I got home. What was the reaction to Waine's goal for you guys when it happened during the match? Was it jump of the couch "omg we've actually gotten a result this late in the game?" Or was it a bit more subdued.
I for one am pleased that it seems there was a bit of soul searching done after the pathetic display against Mexico but it still was far from the perfect performance. I know the results were less successful, and my memory may be a bit hazy but I still feel like we were more resilient/put on a better show during the Egpty and Tunisia games earlier in the year?
I think Rufer brought out the best In Bell. And while a bit more defensively inclined I think that midfield trio of Bell, Rufer, and Stamenic (who also it should be noted had his most effective and impactful game wearing the fern for quite some time) is a must have when Singh isn't an option.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Who was missing from our best team? The list to choose from isn't very long...
Paulsen, Bindon, Singh the main ones. McCowatt when he’s in form.
Can we add Storm Roux and Ryan Thomas. Does Baze know they exist? What us their status???
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Who was missing from our best team? The list to choose from isn't very long...
Paulsen, Bindon, Singh the main ones. McCowatt when he’s in form.
Can we add Storm Roux and Ryan Thomas. Does Baze know they exist? What us their status???
Thomas has made the matchday squad for every Zwolle match so far this season but has yet to start or come off the bench. Jansen taking it cautiously with him for now but it’s early days and hopefully a much better season awaits for Thomas. Not giving up on him featuring in that WC squad or even making an AWs return before then.
From what I’ve heard, there has been some past drama between Roux and Bazeley, though there are many others here who can explain it better than me and in more depth.
Didn't get to watch the game live but had an inkling of how it went down despite my best efforts to plug my ears and shout "Lah, Lah, Lah" when the sports news breaks would cut through on the radio at work. Was great viewing of the replay when I got home. What was the reaction to Waine's goal for you guys when it happened during the match? Was it jump of the couch "omg we've actually gotten a result this late in the game?" Or was it a bit more subdued.
I for one am pleased that it seems there was a bit of soul searching done after the pathetic display against Mexico but it still was far from the perfect performance. I know the results were less successful, and my memory may be a bit hazy but I still feel like we were more resilient/put on a better show during the Egpty and Tunisia games earlier in the year?
I think Rufer brought out the best In Bell. And while a bit more defensively inclined I think that midfield trio of Bell, Rufer, and Stamenic (who also it should be noted had his most effective and impactful game wearing the fern for quite some time) is a must have when Singh isn't an option.
Yes I feel we had more possession against first Egypt (1-0 loss) & then Tunisia (0-0 then lost on pens). Be interesting to know the stats.
But Egypt were without Salah & from memory one of their other big name players. Yes we didn't have Wood, but we had Singh which would have helped the AWs hold the ball more.
But mostly I just think Mexico & the US (both were close to full strength) are a step up from the likes of Egypt & Tunisia - and the rankings show that.
That was a US starting 11 today with players at - Notts Forest, Standard Liege, Toulouse, Palermo, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Middlesbrough, AC Milan, Coventry, Monaco & PSV Eindhoven.
Then their biggest star Pulisic off the bench. And they needed his class to finally score.
Others off the pine at Strasbourg, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, PSV Eindhoven. Not one MLS player today for them. Closed being Cowell at Guadalajara in Liga MX. Players spread over the Top 5 Euro leagues, plus Eredivisie & Championship.
Club homes don't mean everything, but their collection of players just overall far better than ours. And with that you have to plan on having less of the ball, than say those 2 teams we played in March. AWs had some luck today, but feel Bazeley & Co also planned the game better against the US in comparison to the Mexican match, where El Tri just had so much space in the taxing heat.
Baze has been slow to show Rufer some love, but today may have convinced him that Roofs has a place in a 3 man midfield for these higher quality opponents.
Edit - I'd say Bazeley had planned to use Wilkins to sub on at RB, for a tiring Payne in both these games. Unfortunately Dalton W got injured in an early training on this AWs trip, screwing that idea. A little odd though that they flew Sutton all the way over there - the same Sutton who played RB at the Olympics - only to use Tuiloma as a RB sub in both games.
Watching through the replay, I don't understand how people seem to be so dissatisfied with Bell these days, he was really solid apart from one errant pass in a dangerous position almost leading to a goal, and he plays vertically all the time, he isn't just a sideways pass merchant. Rufer wasn't even that close to his best today, but we need two proper 6s against teams like USA (and the teams we will play at the World Cup), and he added a lot.
Meanwhile Stamenic had a bit of a shocker in the first half but all you see is endless praise for him on this forum. He is very classy and still very young and could yet be very very good, but I think right now that Bell and Rufer are both better at 6, and Singh is a better 10. And we were playing 4-2-3-1 today, so where should we put him? The same question could be made about Garbett, he is a great attacking threat, but he isn't a 6 either, and while I wanted to see him in the sort of role he played in today, he was very quiet... Maybe he just needs one more chance in that position? If we didn't have Wood I'd want to see him tried as a 9, but we can forget about that.
After this game, and after seeing him do it successfully several times for the Nix last season, I think we should always keep Old as a impact player for the last 30 minutes. Allow him to build his club career by not overloading him in international windows, and give ourselves a gamechanger should we ever need it. He hasn't impressed as a starter in white.
Maybe Stamenic, Garbett, Old & Waine, all 22 or 23, may be too young to be relied upon as starters at World Cup '26? We were very successful with a team of veterans in 2010... Winston & Tommy the only young lads starting, and they were alongside the imperious Nelsen.
Though to contradict myself a bit, one thing I think we did learn from this tour is that Boxall, Smith & Kosta should all be phased out, we don't want to see them starting at the World Cup. Surman, Bindon & Pijnaker probably will be our best CBs, and Kosta hasn't done anything good outside Oceania in a very long time.
My best XI with the World Cup in mind (subject to Marco regaining top form:
Yep, Payne and Tuiloma both made handy (though not enough) attacking contributions. We lose a lot by not having a fit aggressive RB to give us width or underlap. Though Bindon scores a few from set pieces, I don’t want to see him in nose bleed territory.
I’d like to see Paulsen tried with this midfield. We created two great chances by beating the press, we can do that better with Alex.
Fact remains we didn’t create much. We’ve gotta get Woodsy more involved somehow.
Anyway, I also thought Pijnaker had a good game. Probably benefits from the reliability of Surman there.
I like having the 3 tough midfielders on. 4 if you count Garbett.
I’m not sure how Singh or McCowatt fit in. Or Kosta for that matter.
Is there a place for Billy T?
Billy T looks very overweight (for a pro footballer) and even slower than he used to be. I'm not a big Payne fan but I am glad he was starting over Bill. I'd prefer Storm Roux in the squad. 31 he's still young enough for next world cup. I still remember Elliot getting owned by Craig Goodwin multiple times... so I don't hold much hope with him either. An area of weakness for sure.
The US team was no where near full strength. You obviously needed the sound next time on Cooch, to hear the players that Pine read out who were not there.coochiee
Rock Hopper
Didn't get to watch the game live but had an inkling of how it went down despite my best efforts to plug my ears and shout "Lah, Lah, Lah" when the sports news breaks would cut through on the radio at work. Was great viewing of the replay when I got home. What was the reaction to Waine's goal for you guys when it happened during the match? Was it jump of the couch "omg we've actually gotten a result this late in the game?" Or was it a bit more subdued.
I for one am pleased that it seems there was a bit of soul searching done after the pathetic display against Mexico but it still was far from the perfect performance. I know the results were less successful, and my memory may be a bit hazy but I still feel like we were more resilient/put on a better show during the Egpty and Tunisia games earlier in the year?
I think Rufer brought out the best In Bell. And while a bit more defensively inclined I think that midfield trio of Bell, Rufer, and Stamenic (who also it should be noted had his most effective and impactful game wearing the fern for quite some time) is a must have when Singh isn't an option.
Yes I feel we had more possession against first Egypt (1-0 loss) & then Tunisia (0-0 then lost on pens). Be interesting to know the stats.
But Egypt were without Salah & from memory one of their other big name players. Yes we didn't have Wood, but we had Singh which would have helped the AWs hold the ball more.
But mostly I just think Mexico & the US (both were close to full strength) are a step up from the likes of Egypt & Tunisia - and the rankings show that.
That was a US starting 11 today with players at - Notts Forest, Standard Liege, Toulouse, Palermo, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Middlesbrough, AC Milan, Coventry, Monaco & PSV Eindhoven.
Then their biggest star Pulisic off the bench. And they needed his class to finally score.
Others off the pine at Strasbourg, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, PSV Eindhoven. Not one MLS player today for them. Closed being Cowell at Guadalajara in Liga MX. Players spread over the Top 5 Euro leagues, plus Eredivisie & Championship.
Club homes don't mean everything, but their collection of players just overall far better than ours. And with that you have to plan on having less of the ball, than say those 2 teams we played in March. AWs had some luck today, but feel Bazeley & Co also planned the game better against the US in comparison to the Mexican match, where El Tri just had so much space in the taxing heat.
Baze has been slow to show Rufer some love, but today may have convinced him that Roofs has a place in a 3 man midfield for these higher quality opponents.
Edit - I'd say Bazeley had planned to use Wilkins to sub on at RB, for a tiring Payne in both these games. Unfortunately Dalton W got injured in an early training on this AWs trip, screwing that idea. A little odd though that they flew Sutton all the way over there - the same Sutton who played RB at the Olympics - only to use Tuiloma as a RB sub in both games.
Watching through the replay, I don't understand how people seem to be so dissatisfied with Bell these days, he was really solid apart from one errant pass in a dangerous position almost leading to a goal, and he plays vertically all the time, he isn't just a sideways pass merchant. Rufer wasn't even that close to his best today, but we need two proper 6s against teams like USA (and the teams we will play at the World Cup), and he added a lot.
Meanwhile Stamenic had a bit of a shocker in the first half but all you see is endless praise for him on this forum. He is very classy and still very young and could yet be very very good, but I think right now that Bell and Rufer are both better at 6, and Singh is a better 10. And we were playing 4-2-3-1 today, so where should we put him? The same question could be made about Garbett, he is a great attacking threat, but he isn't a 6 either, and while I wanted to see him in the sort of role he played in today, he was very quiet... Maybe he just needs one more chance in that position? If we didn't have Wood I'd want to see him tried as a 9, but we can forget about that.
After this game, and after seeing him do it successfully several times for the Nix last season, I think we should always keep Old as a impact player for the last 30 minutes. Allow him to build his club career by not overloading him in international windows, and give ourselves a gamechanger should we ever need it. He hasn't impressed as a starter in white.
Maybe Stamenic, Garbett, Old & Waine, all 22 or 23, may be too young to be relied upon as starters at World Cup '26? We were very successful with a team of veterans in 2010... Winston & Tommy the only young lads starting, and they were alongside the imperious Nelsen.
Though to contradict myself a bit, one thing I think we did learn from this tour is that Boxall, Smith & Kosta should all be phased out, we don't want to see them starting at the World Cup. Surman, Bindon & Pijnaker probably will be our best CBs, and Kosta hasn't done anything good outside Oceania in a very long time.
My best XI with the World Cup in mind (subject to Marco regaining top form:
One semi ok game from Bell does not excuse his lack lustre performances in more recent times - and that's only if you consider he did ok yesterday - he wasnt diabolical but he wasnt anywhere near the CM we need to have in there. I want Rufer in there to be bossing the defensive duties and hitting good passes forward, Stamenic to be the link man finding the width where possible and Singh as the creator! Bell can sit on the bench as a replacement for Rufer for all I care!
I had hoped Rufer would move on to Europe this year, in part because I think he can do a job, but also because without a move I think Bell will start ahead of him as he is playing in the better league week in week out.
I think Rufer and Bell both have great engines, but Rufer has the mongrel in him that we need to press a little more aggressively and to win more battles. I also think he is better suited to launch a counter becuase of his longer passing game.
I like Bell and think the criticism is less about the player he is, and more about the player people had hoped he would become.
Stamenic did not impress me playing further up yesterday. Would like to see him and Rufer playing alongside each other with Singh having a free role in front of them.
Garbett didn't impress me over these two games. His touch is a little heavy and I think he can be a little lazy at times with his tracking etc. Gives really good moments of energy, but other times seems to fade out.
I would keep Stamenic and play him alongside Rufer in the middle with Singh playing ahead of them. Old and McCowatt on either side of Wood on the flanks.
The sad thing is, with our next level of opposition we won't really find out aything new about our players.
Yes OFC qualifying will tell us nothing about where the AWs are at. I predict we win each game in NZ by 5 goals all more. Tahiti in Vanuatu a bit tougher.
Blessing is it's all over quickly by next March, and does have 4 actual (5 with the Malaysia friendly) AWs games in NZ.
But leave truly assessing how the AWs are tracking again, from June next year.
Baz needs to start playing NZs best XI every game even in the islands to gel the players with each other. That's what worked so well for us in '09/10. No more fringe players in the squad.
Today's game was not even the best eleven foot players available to NZ. I do wonder if maybe the players are coaching themselves due to Baze's ineptness as was the case under Ricki.
Who was missing from our best team? The list to choose from isn't very long...
Little trend under Bazeley of the team often (not always) playing much better in their 2nd game in a window.
March 2023 - Uninspiring 0-0 draw with China. 2nd game at the ROF a 2-1 win June 2023 - Got canned 4-1 in Stockholm, then looking good & leading 1-0 at HT against Qatar Nov 2023 - Lose 2-0 to Greece, but lots of promise in a 1-1 draw in Dublin Sept 2024 - 3-0 loss to Mexico, draw 1-1 with US of A
Couple of those windows the stronger opponent was in the first game for sure. But perhaps highlights that the short FIFA windows make it tough to gel quickly, and a longer 2-3 week buildup in 2026 leading into the World Cup, could see further improvement.
Also the June window next year, being in the Euro club/ALM off season, should allow a longer camp as a squad. Like the OFC Nations Cup this year.
🗣️ “We were looking for a big reaction and I think we got that.”
Watching through the replay, I don't understand how people seem to be so dissatisfied with Bell these days, he was really solid apart from one errant pass in a dangerous position almost leading to a goal, and he plays vertically all the time, he isn't just a sideways pass merchant. Rufer wasn't even that close to his best today, but we need two proper 6s against teams like USA (and the teams we will play at the World Cup), and he added a lot.
Meanwhile Stamenic had a bit of a shocker in the first half but all you see is endless praise for him on this forum. He is very classy and still very young and could yet be very very good, but I think right now that Bell and Rufer are both better at 6, and Singh is a better 10. And we were playing 4-2-3-1 today, so where should we put him? The same question could be made about Garbett, he is a great attacking threat, but he isn't a 6 either, and while I wanted to see him in the sort of role he played in today, he was very quiet... Maybe he just needs one more chance in that position? If we didn't have Wood I'd want to see him tried as a 9, but we can forget about that.
After this game, and after seeing him do it successfully several times for the Nix last season, I think we should always keep Old as a impact player for the last 30 minutes. Allow him to build his club career by not overloading him in international windows, and give ourselves a gamechanger should we ever need it. He hasn't impressed as a starter in white.
Maybe Stamenic, Garbett, Old & Waine, all 22 or 23, may be too young to be relied upon as starters at World Cup '26? We were very successful with a team of veterans in 2010... Winston & Tommy the only young lads starting, and they were alongside the imperious Nelsen.
Though to contradict myself a bit, one thing I think we did learn from this tour is that Boxall, Smith & Kosta should all be phased out, we don't want to see them starting at the World Cup. Surman, Bindon & Pijnaker probably will be our best CBs, and Kosta hasn't done anything good outside Oceania in a very long time.
My best XI with the World Cup in mind (subject to Marco regaining top form:
Agree with alot of what you say. Think Old is for the moment better off the bench for the AWs, than a starter. Remember these were the first games of football he had ever played with Wood. Will take time to work each other out. Bell is not playing at the level we would have hoped for him 2-3 years ago, but still deserves to be an AWs starter in my book. I liked his combo with Rufer yesterday. We gave the Americans alot less space than the Mexicans. Though yes easier to keep the hard pressing going, in sub 37 degree heat.
But Stamenic is a locked in starter. He plays at a higher level than any of our other midfielders (discounting Thomas), and Marko's ceiling well we just don't know where it will be. That pass to put Just through on goal yesterday, a gem of a ball. As someone else said, for Stamenic to now kick on, and maybe yes play in the EPL one day, he needs to be playing those type of high quality balls regularly in Greece & Europa League.
The question now is where does Singh play for the AWs? Centrally, or out wide like he did almost all of his time in the Bundesliga 2. You feel he wants to play as a 10, and that's where he's crucial to the AWs. Maybe that's why he's signed for a Portuguese 2nd tier club. Because they have promised that if he's half decent when he arrives, he'll be given the main play maker role. Better for now to be happy & playing well in a lower tier, than not playing your favourite position and a bit miserable higher up??
Seems like this wasn't a great window for Boxy, his lower quality passing game found out against Mexico, and maybe a back 4 not suiting him these days. He plays central with 3 CBs at Minnesota. It might be the 3 younger guys Surman, Pijnaker & Bindon now vying for the starter roles.
Anyway a bit to be optimstic about, based off yesterday's game. These 2 matches, are the fixtures where you learn what may work, and what likely won't at a World Cup. Shame won't be playing anyone meaningful again until June next year, by which time these games will have faded into the memory somewhat.
But hopefully exciting youngish talents like Waine, Singh, Garbett, Old, Stamenic, Bindon etc will better players in 12 months when we get to start the serious buildup to 2026. Plus 2-3 ALM guys from LVH, Sheridan, Randall, Gillion, OVH, Champness, Rogerson, Bayliss have had breakout club seasons, and so are knocking on the door.
And AP was right, the Americans were without a few first choice players. But my point still stands that overall they still had far better players than us, so Bazeley's plan to go a bit more defensive with Rufer in for Old, and then looking to counter was pretty sound. They got it wrong against Mexico and made changes.
Two players are missing for the USMNT due to injury. Sergino Dest continues to recover from his ACL tear just before the summer, and Tyler Adams is still down with a back issue as his Bournemouth tenure remains bereft with fitness problems. Tim Weah is also absent thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in the Juventus season opener.
The roster is also missing a few key players who aren't struggling with fitness. Left-back star Antonee Robinson is not included, but his first-choice position can be considered secure, and as a key player for Fulham playing heavy minutes at the club level, it's almost certain that he has been excluded to get some well-earned rest. The same can not be said for Weston McKennie, who has been stuck on the bench at Juventus under new head coach Thiago Silva despite recently signing a new contract with the Italian club. Also missing is defender Cameron Carter-Vickers despite his status as a regular starter at Celtic, as is Miles Robinson who has had a spotty first season with FC Cincinnati.
Pretty absurd to me how Stamenic isn’t a lock in some people’s eyes in this team. If you can be a starter at clubs like Red Star Belgrade, FC Copenhagen and Olympiacos I’m sure you’re good enough to start for the NZ National Team.
It’s up to Rufer and Bell to Jostle for that spot next to him and the responsibility is on them to get themselves playing at a higher level or absolutely rip up wherever they’re playing.
My biggest thing on my wish list this season is to see Ryan Thomas breakthrough and play regular football for PEC and stay injury free. Massive wish but if that can happen he knocks Bell and Rufer right out imo regardless of the last few years.
Stamenic IMO Is our best player already.
We can’t even have Woodsy play 90 anymore because we just can’t seem to find him enough to keep him involved in the game for long enough. He actually doesn’t suit our playing style one bit but thats a coaching staff issue.
Cacace still has his major holes defensively like it or not, he’s been rather suspect on a few occasions over the last 12 Months for NZ.
Can you come up with a better argument for why he should play than the clubs he has played at? He had a moment or two yesterday but overall was pretty ineffective playing as a 10 (and we have a very good traditional no. 10 in Singh), and our midfield looked a lot better without him playing as a 6.
Does anyone actually watch him at club level? I've never seen a club game of his, would be interested to know what position he primarily plays.
A Night and Day difference between the two performances, it was great to see us actually string a few passes together and get in to make a few decent attacks as well.
Plenty to work on, but at least we had some fight and resilience
It gives me a lot more confidence that we should be able to get a win over Malaysia in the next window.
Hopefully this will make others consider us as an option for friendlies in the future so we can keep getting more matches against decent opposition.
Can you come up with a better argument for why he should play than the clubs he has played at? He had a moment or two yesterday but overall was pretty ineffective playing as a 10 (and we have a very good traditional no. 10 in Singh), and our midfield looked a lot better without him playing as a 6.
Does anyone actually watch him at club level? I've never seen a club game of his, would be interested to know what position he primarily plays.
I’ve watched probably 50% of Marko’s club games over his career, grabbing highlights of the rest.
Rufer and Bell are great, Rufer really staked a claim against the USA and I’d like to see him get more starts (and an overseas move, can’t lie). However, Stamenic is in a completely different universe right now in all facets - skill, athleticism, age, high-level experience. No offense meant at all - but I was a bit stunned to see the suggestion that he wouldn’t be ready to start at the 2026 WC! I think he always shows up for the national team and was one of our best players against the USA.
He primarily played as a DM at club level, but had his moments playing in a double pivot at Red Star where he really grew into the box-to-box role come the end of the season. Defo not a Singh shoe-in, he’s so unique
.@HajiWright - my friend Kelli blocked one of your shots that came into the stands last night and it unfortunately broke her arm…anyway to sign her cast or send a signed autograph pic? pic.twitter.com/6XtsRpS3It
Can you come up with a better argument for why he should play than the clubs he has played at? He had a moment or two yesterday but overall was pretty ineffective playing as a 10 (and we have a very good traditional no. 10 in Singh), and our midfield looked a lot better without him playing as a 6.
Does anyone actually watch him at club level? I've never seen a club game of his, would be interested to know what position he primarily plays.
I’ve watched probably 50% of Marko’s club games over his career, grabbing highlights of the rest.
Rufer and Bell are great, Rufer really staked a claim against the USA and I’d like to see him get more starts (and an overseas move, can’t lie). However, Stamenic is in a completely different universe right now in all facets - skill, athleticism, age, high-level experience. No offense meant at all - but I was a bit stunned to see the suggestion that he wouldn’t be ready to start at the 2026 WC! I think he always shows up for the national team and was one of our best players against the USA.
He primarily played as a DM at club level, but had his moments playing in a double pivot at Red Star where he really grew into the box-to-box role come the end of the season. Defo not a Singh shoe-in, he’s so unique
Agree. Probably only him and Wood that'd get anywhere close to a place in that USA squad.
.@HajiWright - my friend Kelli blocked one of your shots that came into the stands last night and it unfortunately broke her arm…anyway to sign her cast or send a signed autograph pic? pic.twitter.com/6XtsRpS3It
.@HajiWright - my friend Kelli blocked one of your shots that came into the stands last night and it unfortunately broke her arm…anyway to sign her cast or send a signed autograph pic? pic.twitter.com/6XtsRpS3It
Finally got to watching this, turns out having a newborn isn't conducive to watching football matches!
Rufer added so much to the midfield that we missed vs Mexico, he's quickly become one of our most under-rated players. Bell is fantastic moving the ball forward but just doesn't have the presence or physicality that Rufer does. I want to say play them beside each other but we're so stacked with midfielders it's hard to pick them both in your best 3. I'd find it very hard to look past a Rufer/Stamenic/Singh trio as the best combination between quality & balance. Any chance we can turn a CM into an RB?!
Personally I'd like to see Rufer dropping deeper in possession between Bindon (or Pijnaker in this case) & Surman to let Payne & Cacace bomb on and create the width, especially since Rufer gives a range of passing that you otherwise lose by not playing Pijnaker. That would let the wide players (Old and Just for me at the moment with McCowatt and Barba off the bench, Rojas depending on how he does this year as well and Garbett and Singh could even fill those narrower roles in a pinch) drift inside to make Woodsy less isolated.
Crocombe did well to recover from his error on that first Mexico goal with a strong performance. I was really disappointed in Libby who lost possession in terrible places and struggled to make square passes in both matches. He's still far and away out best left back but I wouldn't have minded seeing Sutts get a run out.
Huge progress from the Mexico game, but Bazeley has a lot of goodwill still to earn. Probably won't learn a lot more about this team from the upcoming games though - WC qualifiers should be a formailty and if we don't physically bully Malaysia off the park there'll be far more questions to answer but I'm looking forward to seeing these young fellas continue to gel.
Finally got to watching this, turns out having a newborn isn't conducive to watching football matches!
Rufer added so much to the midfield that we missed vs Mexico, he's quickly become one of our most under-rated players. Bell is fantastic moving the ball forward but just doesn't have the presence or physicality that Rufer does. I want to say play them beside each other but we're so stacked with midfielders it's hard to pick them both in your best 3. I'd find it very hard to look past a Rufer/Stamenic/Singh trio as the best combination between quality & balance. Any chance we can turn a CM into an RB?!
Personally I'd like to see Rufer dropping deeper in possession between Bindon (or Pijnaker in this case) & Surman to let Payne & Cacace bomb on and create the width, especially since Rufer gives a range of passing that you otherwise lose by not playing Pijnaker. That would let the wide players (Old and Just for me at the moment with McCowatt and Barba off the bench, Rojas depending on how he does this year as well and Garbett and Singh could even fill those narrower roles in a pinch) drift inside to make Woodsy less isolated.
Crocombe did well to recover from his error on that first Mexico goal with a strong performance. I was really disappointed in Libby who lost possession in terrible places and struggled to make square passes in both matches. He's still far and away out best left back but I wouldn't have minded seeing Sutts get a run out.
Huge progress from the Mexico game, but Bazeley has a lot of goodwill still to earn. Probably won't learn a lot more about this team from the upcoming games though - WC qualifiers should be a formailty and if we don't physically bully Malaysia off the park there'll be far more questions to answer but I'm looking forward to seeing these young fellas continue to gel.
Absolutely bang on re. Rufer. Think that's his ideal role
I too was thinking the point Coochie made- we’re always poor in our first game of a window of late. Need to sort that by playing fewer fringe players and also by better opposition scouting.
I thought Rufer and Bell screened very effectively and formed a good understanding.
Even though Payne’s there I think we need to try Alex and try some playing out from the back. This brings into the game Old, Garbett, Kosta, Waine, Singh, Stamenic and others. Our 3 best moments in the US game were when we broke their press and then streamed forward. Playing out from the back is risky, but potentially very rewarding and the opposite (ie the status quo) has got us sod all goals in 2 years.
Paulsen is potentially our biggest weapon- unleash the handbrake! On the other hand I think we should defo treat each game like a WC knockout and have a double pivot.
But I think that would answer the question we need to make the midfield composition- what’s the point? How are we trying to attack? If we play out from deep and draw their press, we could have Old sitting deeper just ahead of midfielders to make those many dribbles.
I know it causes selection headaches, but I really do like the Bell/Rufer combo. But then we have Stamenic and Garbett who both like a box-to-box role, with Garbett one of our main goal threats.
I wonder if McCowatt could be a Havertz-esque understudy to Wood? Him, Garbett and Wood are our only international scorers of late. Let’s be honest, we’ve rarely used Wood well and he’s quite capable of scavenging, and linking with one touch too.
I think Smith and Boxy have dropped in my estimation from this window and Pijnaker has raised his. I like our main crop being Surman, Bindon and Pijnaker, with Hughes and Stanger next cabs. Good for Surman to show his new country of residence what he can do.
Still would have liked to see them get a run out against Mexico. I’m sure they benefited from the extra screening.
Perhaps Mexico, like Greece, illustrates why a strong game plan/playing style beats us every time unless we improve in that regard.
Finally got to watching this, turns out having a newborn isn't conducive to watching football matches!
Rufer added so much to the midfield that we missed vs Mexico, he's quickly become one of our most under-rated players. Bell is fantastic moving the ball forward but just doesn't have the presence or physicality that Rufer does. I want to say play them beside each other but we're so stacked with midfielders it's hard to pick them both in your best 3. I'd find it very hard to look past a Rufer/Stamenic/Singh trio as the best combination between quality & balance. Any chance we can turn a CM into an RB?!
Personally I'd like to see Rufer dropping deeper in possession between Bindon (or Pijnaker in this case) & Surman to let Payne & Cacace bomb on and create the width, especially since Rufer gives a range of passing that you otherwise lose by not playing Pijnaker. That would let the wide players (Old and Just for me at the moment with McCowatt and Barba off the bench, Rojas depending on how he does this year as well and Garbett and Singh could even fill those narrower roles in a pinch) drift inside to make Woodsy less isolated.
Crocombe did well to recover from his error on that first Mexico goal with a strong performance. I was really disappointed in Libby who lost possession in terrible places and struggled to make square passes in both matches. He's still far and away out best left back but I wouldn't have minded seeing Sutts get a run out.
Huge progress from the Mexico game, but Bazeley has a lot of goodwill still to earn. Probably won't learn a lot more about this team from the upcoming games though - WC qualifiers should be a formailty and if we don't physically bully Malaysia off the park there'll be far more questions to answer but I'm looking forward to seeing these young fellas continue to gel.
Malaysia are half-decent, should be a good hit-out for us.
At home we should be winning, but I can already see the complaints from people saying "we should be winning these games 3-0".
Asian football has come some way and it's going to keep improving for a while yet too.
Yeah Malaysia likely to be tougher than any of the OFC teams we face over the next 3 windows.
They had two wins in the last week. 2-1 over the Philippines and 1-0 over Lebanon. Both games in KL.
Tahiti our first opponents in October in Vanuatu, didn't even play this window. We beat them 5-0 with an understrength team at the OFC Nations Cup in June.
Can you come up with a better argument for why he should play than the clubs he has played at? He had a moment or two yesterday but overall was pretty ineffective playing as a 10 (and we have a very good traditional no. 10 in Singh), and our midfield looked a lot better without him playing as a 6.
Does anyone actually watch him at club level? I've never seen a club game of his, would be interested to know what position he primarily plays.
I've said it before and been shot down for it, but to me, Stamenic is a starter, but better as a 6 not a 10.
Still, he wants to be a 10, and all his fans want him to be a 10, because all the ‘famous top players’ are 10s, so who am I to say.
Yeah Malaysia likely to be tougher than any of the OFC teams we face over the next 3 windows.
They had two wins in the last week. 2-1 over the Philippines and 1-0 over Lebanon. Both games in KL.
Tahiti our first opponents in October in Vanuatu, didn't even play this window. We beat them 5-0 with an understrength team at the OFC Nations Cup in June.
Interestingly, Malaysia's newly appointed manager the Spaniard Pau Martí Vicente from Barcelona, was Josep Gombau's assistant at Adelaide United where he stayed on as assistant coach for four seasons. After that A-League sojourn, he was a youth coach at Barcelona for five years before becoming assistant coach at Malaysia in 2022.
