My wish for the next 4 years is Bazeley out, a right back to appear, and Paulsen to kick on to a high level
All Whites vs Belgium | Sat 27th June | 3:00pm (NZT) | BC Place, Vancouver
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Friar Tuck wrote:
My wish for the next 4 years is Bazeley out, a right back to appear, and Paulsen to kick on to a high level
My wish is for Bell to realise that not every pass has to go sideways and backwards...
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Libby the major disappointment of the WC for me. Defensively he was mostly okay, but offered next to nothing on attack. Outshone by Payne.
Baze should have got him, Singh, Crocombe and a few others into camp a bit earlier to try get them more match fit/sharp. Cacace came into the WC off zero football. Zero
Today is disappointing. But embarrassing?
We are the lowest ranked team at the big dance. Plenty of similar or worse scorelines to date
Canada beat Qatar 6-0
Germany beat Curaçao 7-1
Senegal beat Iraq 5-0
Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0
Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1
Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1
Japan beat Tunisia 4-0
Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
Baze should have got him, Singh, Crocombe and a few others into camp a bit earlier to try get them more match fit/sharp. Cacace came into the WC off zero football. Zero
Today is disappointing. But embarrassing?
We are the lowest ranked team at the big dance. Plenty of similar or worse scorelines to date
Canada beat Qatar 6-0
Germany beat Curaçao 7-1
Senegal beat Iraq 5-0
Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0
Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1
Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1
Japan beat Tunisia 4-0
Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
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Man some people are dealing with this way worse than I would've thought. To even entertain the thought that Wood shouldn't be picked again is fucking moronic. Who's he getting dropped for? Waine? certainly not Kosta, and please for the love of god no one say Randall.
Did he have a good game? No. He was largely invisible, wasn't great against Egypt either. Fantastic against Iran. None of that changes the fact that he is so far ahead of anyone else we have as a striker.
Did he have a good game? No. He was largely invisible, wasn't great against Egypt either. Fantastic against Iran. None of that changes the fact that he is so far ahead of anyone else we have as a striker.
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.
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I’d say as well a great performance followed by two where the defense watched him like hawks, including the keeper, was kinda to be expected.
And he did burn through 2 extra CBs against Egypt!! With Boxall’s help…
And he did burn through 2 extra CBs against Egypt!! With Boxall’s help…
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Yeah I agree that today didn’t come as an enormous shock, and I think we were tricked into thinking it was more possible than it really was by Belgium’s underwhelming first two games and so-called ‘aging squad’. In a combined XI no New Zealand player makes the team, surely.
This World Cup has about matched expectations for me. Play out of our skins and we could have won both the Egypt and Iran games. Alternatively had any of our opponents done likewise we could be going home with 3 heavy losses, which would have felt undeserved. We’re the lowest ranked team at the tournament and though you occasionally get arguments that that’s not a true reflection of our ability I don’t think there’s anyone who seriously thinks we deserve to be higher than about 50 or 60.
This World Cup has about matched expectations for me. Play out of our skins and we could have won both the Egypt and Iran games. Alternatively had any of our opponents done likewise we could be going home with 3 heavy losses, which would have felt undeserved. We’re the lowest ranked team at the tournament and though you occasionally get arguments that that’s not a true reflection of our ability I don’t think there’s anyone who seriously thinks we deserve to be higher than about 50 or 60.
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People on here are stupid as fudge sorry.
Thomas was poor, yes. But for peole to call-out his quality is bonkers. He plays in a league regularly that most nz players can only dream about.
We are NZ you Muppets. Not England, not Spain, not France... we are the low of the low who qualified because we are the best of a shit bunch.
Pull your heads in. Get a little perspective and reality in you and shut up.
Based on comments, you'd think we were a chance to win!
Thomas was poor, yes. But for peole to call-out his quality is bonkers. He plays in a league regularly that most nz players can only dream about.
We are NZ you Muppets. Not England, not Spain, not France... we are the low of the low who qualified because we are the best of a shit bunch.
Pull your heads in. Get a little perspective and reality in you and shut up.
Based on comments, you'd think we were a chance to win!
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The story of our tournament was three outstanding halves of football proceeded by three dismal halves of football. Trying to force contexts into a flurry of friendlies clearly doesnt cut the mustard. For the most part the guys were completley overawed by the situations and circumstances they found themselves in throughout the tournament. There's a mental fragility that looms large over the entire squad, guided by coaching staff that froze without a plan B when things weren't going their way and that would rather be mates with the players than make the tough calls.
You can hope against hope at the time, which we all did, that a magic wand would wave fix all our persistent weaknesses but the reality is a 2 nil loss at home to Finalnd two months out and a 4 nil loss to Haiti 2 weeks out were the indicators we had run out of time to reach the cohesion necessary to meet the standard required for a tournament like this.
Going into the next cycle with a ten million dollar windfall it's clear it would behoove NZF to look outside the old boys club coaching wise. Maybe they can increase the amount they are willing to offer as a salary? They also should seriously consider reaching out beyond the constraints of OFC for competitive football thats going to battle harden these guys and get rid of the lack of mental toughness and match awareness that plagues this inexperienced side. Tomgue in cheek, but the rest should all be pooled into the domestic clubs to subsidise the development of a genuine right back talent.
As far as the players go it wasn't all doom and gloom. From Austrian pub leagues to three goals at the world cup. Eli Just. What a bloody hero. We knew he was decent but I'm not sure many of us expected this sort of output when it came time for the big dance.
Finn Surman and Marko Stamenic also boosted their stocks and confirmed to a larger audience what we've always thought about them.
While Cacace was skilled enough to build into the tournament as it went on despite his lack of match fitness, the same can't be said for Sarpreet and Boxall also coming in from injury. A real shame as with both those guys running at 100% and of course Matt Garbett, there's enough ex factor there to put a third goal past Iran or be able to competently chase the game after going down against Egypt but sadly it wasn't to be.
Between the posts, we're probably better to invest in the abudence of young goalkeeping talent we have establishing themselves in Europe. Alex Paulsen for the no.1 slot going forward. 10 goals shipped in three games. While not at fault for all of them on the other hand its not like Crocombe countered those ten goals shipped with some outrageous saves of note.
I hope we don't put the brakes on the mens high performance programme from here and are straight back into it, in the September window. Bring on 2030!
You can hope against hope at the time, which we all did, that a magic wand would wave fix all our persistent weaknesses but the reality is a 2 nil loss at home to Finalnd two months out and a 4 nil loss to Haiti 2 weeks out were the indicators we had run out of time to reach the cohesion necessary to meet the standard required for a tournament like this.
Going into the next cycle with a ten million dollar windfall it's clear it would behoove NZF to look outside the old boys club coaching wise. Maybe they can increase the amount they are willing to offer as a salary? They also should seriously consider reaching out beyond the constraints of OFC for competitive football thats going to battle harden these guys and get rid of the lack of mental toughness and match awareness that plagues this inexperienced side. Tomgue in cheek, but the rest should all be pooled into the domestic clubs to subsidise the development of a genuine right back talent.
As far as the players go it wasn't all doom and gloom. From Austrian pub leagues to three goals at the world cup. Eli Just. What a bloody hero. We knew he was decent but I'm not sure many of us expected this sort of output when it came time for the big dance.
Finn Surman and Marko Stamenic also boosted their stocks and confirmed to a larger audience what we've always thought about them.
While Cacace was skilled enough to build into the tournament as it went on despite his lack of match fitness, the same can't be said for Sarpreet and Boxall also coming in from injury. A real shame as with both those guys running at 100% and of course Matt Garbett, there's enough ex factor there to put a third goal past Iran or be able to competently chase the game after going down against Egypt but sadly it wasn't to be.
Between the posts, we're probably better to invest in the abudence of young goalkeeping talent we have establishing themselves in Europe. Alex Paulsen for the no.1 slot going forward. 10 goals shipped in three games. While not at fault for all of them on the other hand its not like Crocombe countered those ten goals shipped with some outrageous saves of note.
I hope we don't put the brakes on the mens high performance programme from here and are straight back into it, in the September window. Bring on 2030!
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I think the magic of the world cup is that you always think you’re in with a chance no matter how slim. Against all odds that happened for us in 2010, and against all odds is happening for the likes of Cabo Verde this time. It’s great to see and it’s what makes the World Cup so memorable, but the actual chances of it happening for most teams at our level are very low.
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Yes, there have been some extreme random posts - Wood not being up to it etc
But
Those who were not embarrassed by the defensive performance today and are telling people to shut up are either part of Baz’s drinking club or have no shame and need to understand it’s that acceptance of mediocrity which will lead to old Baz being reappointed.
It’s great listing all the other thrashing’s in the tournament but one of the teams even dumped their coach after one game!! They were embarrassed and had some shame!!
Have just learnt that Bazs contract doesn’t actually expire at the end of this tournament but rather at the end of this year so even in the best case scenario we have possibly six more games with his coaching master class.
But
Those who were not embarrassed by the defensive performance today and are telling people to shut up are either part of Baz’s drinking club or have no shame and need to understand it’s that acceptance of mediocrity which will lead to old Baz being reappointed.
It’s great listing all the other thrashing’s in the tournament but one of the teams even dumped their coach after one game!! They were embarrassed and had some shame!!
Have just learnt that Bazs contract doesn’t actually expire at the end of this tournament but rather at the end of this year so even in the best case scenario we have possibly six more games with his coaching master class.
Auckland will rise once more
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I think someone said it above.. we over achieved in the tournament based on the last 2 years.
We have to remember we are 80th in the world. Hardly play any meaningful games (well more recently).
Just should hopefully get a great transfer out of this. Marko the only other one that really stood out for me.
We have to remember we are 80th in the world. Hardly play any meaningful games (well more recently).
Just should hopefully get a great transfer out of this. Marko the only other one that really stood out for me.
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AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Yes, there have been some extreme random posts - Wood not being up to it etc
But
Those who were not embarrassed by the defensive performance today and are telling people to shut up are either part of Baz’s drinking club or have no shame and need to understand it’s that acceptance of mediocrity which will lead to old Baz being reappointed.
It’s great listing all the other thrashing’s in the tournament but one of the teams even dumped their coach after one game!! They were embarrassed and had some shame!!
Have just learnt that Bazs contract doesn’t actually expire at the end of this tournament but rather at the end of this year so even in the best case scenario we have possibly six more games with his coaching master class.
Look at where we are in the world compared to who we played. Yes we could have been better, but you are living in a fantasy mate. We played some of our best football ever this tournament. We scored good goals and we competed for large parts.
You're an idiot if you expected more than that!
People complaning on here need to remember we aren't Italy for example, who didn't even qualify!
You're an idiot if you expected more than that!
People complaning on here need to remember we aren't Italy for example, who didn't even qualify!
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AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Yes, there have been some extreme random posts - Wood not being up to it etc
But
Those who were not embarrassed by the defensive performance today and are telling people to shut up are either part of Baz’s drinking club or have no shame and need to understand it’s that acceptance of mediocrity which will lead to old Baz being reappointed.
It’s great listing all the other thrashing’s in the tournament but one of the teams even dumped their coach after one game!! They were embarrassed and had some shame!!
Have just learnt that Bazs contract doesn’t actually expire at the end of this tournament but rather at the end of this year so even in the best case scenario we have possibly six more games with his coaching master class.
I don’t think we want to be Tunisia. And sacking their coach didn’t improve the results
Should we dump Baze now and hope someone decent out there is okay with 3.5 years of friendlies and dull OFC qualifiers. 3.5 yrs is a long time in a coach’s career to play less than 6 competitive games
Or give a caretaker like say Simon Elliott 18 mths, and then try lock in that top international coach giving them 2 years and the WC itself. Might have a better sort of getting a top dog with the 2nd scenario
I actually emailed the NZ CEO, about NZF’s plan to try get into the CONCACAF Gold Cup and/or similar
He unexpectedly replied saying yes NZF were in talks with other Confeds re different tourney options. Pretty much what he also said to Steve and Seamus on their Between 2 Goals podcast. They are at least trying to find the AWs some badly needed tough competitive matches
Should we dump Baze now and hope someone decent out there is okay with 3.5 years of friendlies and dull OFC qualifiers. 3.5 yrs is a long time in a coach’s career to play less than 6 competitive games
Or give a caretaker like say Simon Elliott 18 mths, and then try lock in that top international coach giving them 2 years and the WC itself. Might have a better sort of getting a top dog with the 2nd scenario
I actually emailed the NZ CEO, about NZF’s plan to try get into the CONCACAF Gold Cup and/or similar
He unexpectedly replied saying yes NZF were in talks with other Confeds re different tourney options. Pretty much what he also said to Steve and Seamus on their Between 2 Goals podcast. They are at least trying to find the AWs some badly needed tough competitive matches
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Man listening to Bazeley's post-match press conference made it sound like he had no game plan and had expected we'd be all ready through by that point.
You really have to account for all possibilities as a coach and try to come up with some cohesive plan for the last game. (Unless you're Uruguay)
You really have to account for all possibilities as a coach and try to come up with some cohesive plan for the last game. (Unless you're Uruguay)
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People here who think we've done as well as we could have, are way out of the picture for what is going on here in North America. Iran was (is) a mess politically and socially. Their team was all over the place before game one making them ripe for a first up loss (which should have happened). Egypt has long had a world cup win hoodoo and were not at all confident at beating us, while Belgium until last night, were pants.
Yes we were underdogs in every game but our best XI (which IMO we never saw start) had a good chance at getting at least a point in every game.
Yes we were underdogs in every game but our best XI (which IMO we never saw start) had a good chance at getting at least a point in every game.
Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites
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Also: We, the NZ fans were the bigger of the two sets of fans in the Belgium game, and possibly also the Egypt game. Both games were full of plastic fans who were only there for Salah, Doku etc and not NZ, Egypt or Belgium.
For me that was a great feeling after being the only fan at the NZ Greece game in Athens a couple of years back.
For me that was a great feeling after being the only fan at the NZ Greece game in Athens a couple of years back.
Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites
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Baze had us playing some of the most attractive football I have ever seen from an AW side. However he has some severe limitations. The repeated failure to deal with crosses and the apparent disorganized way we marked opposing attackers is a black mark for him. He’s the coach and the buck stops with him. We conceded sloppy goals on multiple occasions. The problem was not addressed. Some of these goals would embarrass age group sides. It’s not rocket science and good well organized defense has been a hallmark of AW sides for ages.
He’s had his shift and has added to the side but it’s time to try someone else who can take a talented side even further.
He’s had his shift and has added to the side but it’s time to try someone else who can take a talented side even further.
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coochiee wrote:AucklandPhoenix wrote:I don’t think we want to be Tunisia. And sacking their coach didn’t improve the results
Yes, there have been some extreme random posts - Wood not being up to it etc
But
Those who were not embarrassed by the defensive performance today and are telling people to shut up are either part of Baz’s drinking club or have no shame and need to understand it’s that acceptance of mediocrity which will lead to old Baz being reappointed.
It’s great listing all the other thrashing’s in the tournament but one of the teams even dumped their coach after one game!! They were embarrassed and had some shame!!
Have just learnt that Bazs contract doesn’t actually expire at the end of this tournament but rather at the end of this year so even in the best case scenario we have possibly six more games with his coaching master class.
Should we dump Baze now and hope someone decent out there is okay with 3.5 years of friendlies and dull OFC qualifiers. 3.5 yrs is a long time in a coach’s career to play less than 6 competitive games
Or give a caretaker like say Simon Elliott 18 mths, and then try lock in that top international coach giving them 2 years and the WC itself. Might have a better sort of getting a top dog with the 2nd scenario
I actually emailed the NZ CEO, about NZF’s plan to try get into the CONCACAF Gold Cup and/or similar
He unexpectedly replied saying yes NZF were in talks with other Confeds re different tourney options. Pretty much what he also said to Steve and Seamus on their Between 2 Goals podcast. They are at least trying to find the AWs some badly needed tough competitive matches
Thanks Coochiee for emailing NZF, regardless of opinions we need people to continue to question what the NZF plans are going forward for the AWs.
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After the confed cup in 2009, we we told by FIFA, and i believe funded as well, to add technical expertise to our coaching team. Ricki added Raul Blanco, who had been involved with the Socceroos since 1981 and I believe was on several FIFA technical committees. We switched up our playing style to play to our strengths and deployed the tactic in a 3-4-3 (7-3-0 lol). We also had Nellie and Elliott bossing it. Nellie even brought in the Blackburn Rovers kitman. Ricki was open minded enough to let others have geneuine input.
This time around, it's hard to deny that we were under done on the coaching side experience wise. Baze was last choice and I'm not aware of anything that any of our assistants have achieved. And the World Cup is next level gravy. The players had a big say in the playing style, but none of them are Ryan Nelsen.
It would have been nice to be that team who surprised everyone, but I don't think we ever had the quality in any department to make that happen. And worryingly like others have said we have large organisational flaws on the pitch.
I agree with Coochie that's it's not viable to attract a top coach for four years of our itinery. So I think we need to do a Hiddink; qualify under a Baze equivalent, who then steps back for the next World Cup proper.. Our unique situation in Oceania should make this viable. And there's no excuse not to get expertise in for the finals, there's a large pool of coaches of the required standard available. We'd just need to pick the right personality and make sure we don't get another Heraf, i.e. you're here to coach a team for a year, not to change the fabric of our footballing environment.
This time around, it's hard to deny that we were under done on the coaching side experience wise. Baze was last choice and I'm not aware of anything that any of our assistants have achieved. And the World Cup is next level gravy. The players had a big say in the playing style, but none of them are Ryan Nelsen.
It would have been nice to be that team who surprised everyone, but I don't think we ever had the quality in any department to make that happen. And worryingly like others have said we have large organisational flaws on the pitch.
I agree with Coochie that's it's not viable to attract a top coach for four years of our itinery. So I think we need to do a Hiddink; qualify under a Baze equivalent, who then steps back for the next World Cup proper.. Our unique situation in Oceania should make this viable. And there's no excuse not to get expertise in for the finals, there's a large pool of coaches of the required standard available. We'd just need to pick the right personality and make sure we don't get another Heraf, i.e. you're here to coach a team for a year, not to change the fabric of our footballing environment.
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MetalLegNZ wrote:
People on here are stupid as fudge sorry.
Thomas was poor, yes. But for peole to call-out his quality is bonkers. He plays in a league regularly that most nz players can only dream about.
We are NZ you Muppets. Not England, not Spain, not France... we are the low of the low who qualified because we are the best of a shit bunch.
Pull your heads in. Get a little perspective and reality in you and shut up.
Based on comments, you'd think we were a chance to win!
No but certain players did not play up to their standards nor potential. Nor did they get used in their best positions by a coach who is as useful as a condom with the tip cut off, who insisted on playing a negative defensive style putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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How did Bazeley play a negative defensive style? That’s a lazy narrative. We had double the goals of the two previous WC appearances, and both goals versus Iran were very pretty
This WC cycle Dazza almost never started with 3 CBs. Maybe he should have. It’s working for the Socceroos who Irankunda and maybe Bos aside ain’t that exciting to watch. Effective but as a neutral you wouldn’t pay much to watch them
Yipe Bazeley deserves some criticism but if anything I’d say he could have been more pragmatic not less. The glaring weakness shipping too many goals
This WC cycle Dazza almost never started with 3 CBs. Maybe he should have. It’s working for the Socceroos who Irankunda and maybe Bos aside ain’t that exciting to watch. Effective but as a neutral you wouldn’t pay much to watch them
Yipe Bazeley deserves some criticism but if anything I’d say he could have been more pragmatic not less. The glaring weakness shipping too many goals
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only real negative with Baze has been his use of subs, whether he has known how to change a game or just hasnt wanted to is unknown but it has let us down this tournament. we've started two out of the three games well. We havent been able to close them out.
time for sdome new ideas, Baze has taken this team as far as he can!
time for sdome new ideas, Baze has taken this team as far as he can!
Queenslander 3x a year.
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coochiee wrote:
How did Bazeley play a negative defensive style? That’s a lazy narrative. We had double the goals of the two previous WC appearances, and both goals versus Iran were very pretty
This WC cycle Dazza almost never started with 3 CBs. Maybe he should have. It’s working for the Socceroos who Irankunda and maybe Bos aside ain’t that exciting to watch. Effective but as a neutral you wouldn’t pay much to watch them
Yipe Bazeley deserves some criticism but if anything I’d say he could have been more pragmatic not less. The glaring weakness shipping too many goals
BINGO
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reg22 wrote:
After the confed cup in 2009, we we told by FIFA, and i believe funded as well, to add technical expertise to our coaching team. Ricki added Raul Blanco, who had been involved with the Socceroos since 1981 and I believe was on several FIFA technical committees. We switched up our playing style to play to our strengths and deployed the tactic in a 3-4-3 (7-3-0 lol). We also had Nellie and Elliott bossing it. Nellie even brought in the Blackburn Rovers kitman. Ricki was open minded enough to let others have geneuine input.
This time around, it's hard to deny that we were under done on the coaching side experience wise. Baze was last choice and I'm not aware of anything that any of our assistants have achieved. And the World Cup is next level gravy. The players had a big say in the playing style, but none of them are Ryan Nelsen.
It would have been nice to be that team who surprised everyone, but I don't think we ever had the quality in any department to make that happen. And worryingly like others have said we have large organisational flaws on the pitch.
I agree with Coochie that's it's not viable to attract a top coach for four years of our itinery. So I think we need to do a Hiddink; qualify under a Baze equivalent, who then steps back for the next World Cup proper.. Our unique situation in Oceania should make this viable. And there's no excuse not to get expertise in for the finals, there's a large pool of coaches of the required standard available. We'd just need to pick the right personality and make sure we don't get another Heraf, i.e. you're here to coach a team for a year, not to change the fabric of our footballing environment.
I did say as much, on more than one occasion that a top class coach could be brought in for the WC. Australia did go to a professional coach for WC qualifiers halfway through the cycle or even later (more than once). However, I also appreciate Coochie's response to one of my posts pointing out that if you leave it till very late, the incoming top coach may not know the quality of the players at hand or what to expect of the potential backups.
I know it did not stop Hiddink from having Australia progress past Uruguay to qualify for the WC 2006, but it was a damn close call. He was contracted after the calamity of Frank Farina's team also playing off against Uruguay 4 years earlier and not doing very well.
I know it did not stop Hiddink from having Australia progress past Uruguay to qualify for the WC 2006, but it was a damn close call. He was contracted after the calamity of Frank Farina's team also playing off against Uruguay 4 years earlier and not doing very well.
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I think most would like to see Buckingham get the job.
But he may just be way too expensive now for NZF.
AI tells me. Note Des's club Al-Kholood are basically mid tier (14th of 18 teams last season).
Based on the below he might be on around $NZ3m per year at Al-Kholood at the low end!!! ie $US140K/mth
Simone Inzaghi, is reportedly on £22.5m a season at Al Hilal. If so making him the highest paid gaffer in world football.
The Saudi cash is really at obscene levels.
But Des seemed to love his time in NZ. Might agree to a 1-2 year deal pre 2030 WC
Coach salaries and contracts across the Saudi Pro League (SPL) can be broken down by tier:
But he may just be way too expensive now for NZF.
AI tells me. Note Des's club Al-Kholood are basically mid tier (14th of 18 teams last season).
Based on the below he might be on around $NZ3m per year at Al-Kholood at the low end!!! ie $US140K/mth
Simone Inzaghi, is reportedly on £22.5m a season at Al Hilal. If so making him the highest paid gaffer in world football.
The Saudi cash is really at obscene levels.
But Des seemed to love his time in NZ. Might agree to a 1-2 year deal pre 2030 WC
Coach salaries and contracts across the Saudi Pro League (SPL) can be broken down by tier:
- Top-Tier / Elite Managers: High-profile international managers (such as Simone Inzaghi at Al-Hilal or Laurent Blanc at Al-Ittihad) command premium annual salaries ranging from $10M to over $26M (EUR) per year.
- Mid-Tier & Experienced Head Coaches: Confirmed UEFA Pro level coaches in the SPL generally make between $140,000 and $220,000 (USD) net per month.
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More realistically a hard nosed experienced Aussie operator, who knows a bit about NZ and Oceania/Asia.
I like Rob Stanton, and he's currently an assistant to Arnie at Iraq. I'm pretty sure they were both given an extension to through to the Asian Cup next January. Arnie on about $NZ2m a year at Iraq.
John or Ross Aloisi?
John is head coach at Chengdu Rongcheng FC in the Chinese Super League (CSL)
Ross is head coach at Zhejiang FC in the CSL.
Nick Mongotomery also now in the CSL (Beijing Guoan) had a stint as an Ange assistant at Forest last year, so briefly coached the Woodsman.
Kevin Muscat! Yet another coaching in the CSL. Coached Libby in Belgium.
Marko Rudan! Of course also in the CSL, this time as an assistant at Dalian Yingbo FC
Hayden Foxe is helping out Poppa at the Socceroos
I like Rob Stanton, and he's currently an assistant to Arnie at Iraq. I'm pretty sure they were both given an extension to through to the Asian Cup next January. Arnie on about $NZ2m a year at Iraq.
John or Ross Aloisi?
John is head coach at Chengdu Rongcheng FC in the Chinese Super League (CSL)
Ross is head coach at Zhejiang FC in the CSL.
Nick Mongotomery also now in the CSL (Beijing Guoan) had a stint as an Ange assistant at Forest last year, so briefly coached the Woodsman.
Kevin Muscat! Yet another coaching in the CSL. Coached Libby in Belgium.
Marko Rudan! Of course also in the CSL, this time as an assistant at Dalian Yingbo FC
Hayden Foxe is helping out Poppa at the Socceroos
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I wonder if Herve Renard would be interested coming down to the Pacific
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coochiee wrote:
More realistically a hard nosed experienced Aussie operator, who knows a bit about NZ and Oceania/Asia.
I like Rob Stanton, and he's currently an assistant to Arnie at Iraq. I'm pretty sure they were both given an extension to through to the Asian Cup next January. Arnie on about $NZ2m a year at Iraq.
John or Ross Aloisi?
John is head coach at Chengdu Rongcheng FC in the Chinese Super League (CSL)
Ross is head coach at Zhejiang FC in the CSL.
Nick Mongotomery also now in the CSL (Beijing Guoan) had a stint as an Ange assistant at Forest last year, so briefly coached the Woodsman.
Kevin Muscat! Yet another coaching in the CSL. Coached Libby in Belgium.
Marko Rudan! Of course also in the CSL, this time as an assistant at Dalian Yingbo FC
That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. I hate Australians as much as anyone, but there’s something appealing about an Oz in charge. Someone who’s gonna gob off (no more Mr nice guy, middle of the road plz), yet knows his stuff…nzers and the media, we’ll rally behind that (imho).
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Sidi 1 wrote:
I wonder if Herve Renard would be interested coming down to the Pacific
Maybe NZF could find him some modelling work on the side. Does he speak English?
https://thesauditimes.net/en/renard-takes-over-tunisia-on-a-salary-90-lower-than-his-previous-deal/
French coach Hervé Renard has reportedly agreed to take charge of Tunisia for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accepting a salary significantly lower than the one he earned in his previous position.
According to Tunisian media reports, Renard will receive approximately $30,000 per month, compared with more than $450,000 per month during his previous tenure with Saudi Arabia.
The decision highlights Renard’s willingness to take on a new challenge and help Tunisia revive its World Cup campaign.
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Sounds like Baze wants to go again.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360997129/were-not-far-all-whites-keen-refine-not-rethink-after-falling-short-fifa-world-cup-goals
Did the All Whites get the balance right?
Are they on the path to success wanting to be a possession-based team, even when they come up against the best in the world?
Should there have been a bit more pragmatism? Would it have made a difference?
Some of the football they played in possession was as good as any All Whites team has played. They stepped up to the World Cup stage against Iran and in the first half against Egypt. But on both occasions – and in gifting Belgium an opening goal after withstanding heavy pressure early – their out-of-possession play let them down.
It is that younger core who have led the push for this team to try to express themselves with the ball as much as possible. As coach, Darren Bazeley has viewed his job as overseeing the creation of an environment to enable that and in expressing a desire to go again himself, he said the Iran match and the first half against Egypt – “our best performances in four years” – were “testament” to the “culture and environment” that has been built.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360997129/were-not-far-all-whites-keen-refine-not-rethink-after-falling-short-fifa-world-cup-goals
Did the All Whites get the balance right?
Are they on the path to success wanting to be a possession-based team, even when they come up against the best in the world?
Should there have been a bit more pragmatism? Would it have made a difference?
Some of the football they played in possession was as good as any All Whites team has played. They stepped up to the World Cup stage against Iran and in the first half against Egypt. But on both occasions – and in gifting Belgium an opening goal after withstanding heavy pressure early – their out-of-possession play let them down.
It is that younger core who have led the push for this team to try to express themselves with the ball as much as possible. As coach, Darren Bazeley has viewed his job as overseeing the creation of an environment to enable that and in expressing a desire to go again himself, he said the Iran match and the first half against Egypt – “our best performances in four years” – were “testament” to the “culture and environment” that has been built.
“We’re not far,” was midfielder Marko Stamenić’s assessment. “That’s the feeling I have. Looking over the first two games, we really put our front foot forward, and we could have come out with six points approaching [the Belgium] game, so [there are] a lot of positives.”
When it comes to understanding why they only came out with one point in reality, the emerging consensus amongst the players was that they weren’t bold enough and that they didn’t stick to their chosen approach when they were in front – twice against Iran, both times thanks to Just, and for most of the first half and the start of the second against Egypt, thanks to a Finn Surman header.
Just was the All Whites’ standout player at the World Cup and like his coach, he didn’t want the scoreline against Belgium to be over-emphasised in assessments of their campaign: “When we go down 1-0 nil, we know that we have to win, so then when we open up the game, it probably suits them more, but I’d rather go out [losing] 5-1 than 2-0, if we just sit back the rest of the game”.
A mindset shift from 2010, where the All Whites finished with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay when they needed a win to advance and the use of only two of a possible three subs when there were attacking options on the bench was a major talking point afterwards.
“I actually think that in the first two games, with the three leads we had, we were probably too protective and too safe,” Just continued. “If we were maybe a little bit more brave, it could have been a different story. With hindsight, you can always say one or two things you can change, but overall I think we played well. There are definitely a lot of lessons. It's unfortunate that we have to wait four years for the next opportunity, because I know that there will be a lot of people wanting to go straight away.”
Midfielder Joe Bell said: “To be honest, my biggest takeaway from the tournament is that our biggest strength is with the ball, and I think we've shown that even at the top level we have the ability to frustrate the opponent.
“I think using that as a way to defend is also a strategy. I think we've moved past the idea of just sitting behind the ball and trying to defend and hope for a win. There will be learnings going forward, but there's definitely a balance between the two.”
Forward Ben Old said: “We’ve got a style which promotes a good way of playing. In the first two games, it showed that it was really effective. Obviously this game was a bit more difficult. I don’t think we were naive in any of those matches. We were able to adapt our play style. Maybe we could have been a bit tighter in this game. In the first half, we defended with our lives before we conceded [the first] goal and then we had to chase after that.
Forward Ben Old said: “We’ve got a style which promotes a good way of playing. In the first two games, it showed that it was really effective. Obviously this game was a bit more difficult. I don’t think we were naive in any of those matches. We were able to adapt our play style. Maybe we could have been a bit tighter in this game. In the first half, we defended with our lives before we conceded [the first] goal and then we had to chase after that.
“I get [the question, about whether more pragmatism was needed], but I think we showed a lot of people our play style and how it can work against really top-level players and I think going into the next World Cup, we're just going to have to refine that.”
Old said the All Whites still seemed to “have this underdog mentality” in the moments where they went in front: “When we go up, we're then trying to defend the lead, but we need to realise that we were good enough to dominate these teams and be able to get [more goals]”.
Left back Liberato Cacace summed up the situation: “We played a lot of good football, but you can't qualify [for the knockout stage] conceding [three] goals [on average] every game.
“Definitely a lot of learning to take defending in the box, but there's a lot of positives with the ball.”
Refinement, not a rethink, is clearly what the core of this team has in mind as they move forward.
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My reflections after the three games are:
- we probably needed to have our best XI and say 5 substitutes fit and firing to have a good chance of achieving our goals of winning a game & getting out of our group, and unfortunately all of Thomas, Singh and Cacace looked a long way short of their best, and our best two keepers had either been riding the bench for the last third of the season or had had a terrible one in general. Also we were missing Garbett too. We have so little depth it was always going to be a big struggle with that many not in form.
- defense was in general terrible (obvious observation), our coaching staff clearly didnt have what it took to get the defense working as well as it could have. Maybe hard to do without having plenty of properly competitive games against top quality opposition, but clearly it is possible as Ricki pulled it off. Good news is I saw it reported that Baze wants NZ to be able to get involved in competitions like the Gold Cup, so NZF must be at least trying to remedy the issue of us only getting competitive games against Oceania opposition.
- don't know if Baze has what it takes to get the best out of our players, probably not, but I really admire his approach for this tournament and the whole cycle, of 4 at the back and trying to actually play football. Really hated Hayball and Hudsonball and latter day Rickiball. I don't see the value in playing like the Socceroos do, I would genuinely rather be going home now than having to watch us into the round of 32 playing like them. If Baze is to stay he needs to get a really good assistant coach in who can sort the defense out.
- Highlights of being at the games were chanting "we, are, top of the group, we are top of the group", and to a corner-taking Mo Salah "who are ya? who are ya?" both while we were leading vs Egypt. Belgium was less fun but got a great view of a de Bruyne banger and was also a fun moment when VAR took their pen away, felt almost as good as us scoring.
- we probably needed to have our best XI and say 5 substitutes fit and firing to have a good chance of achieving our goals of winning a game & getting out of our group, and unfortunately all of Thomas, Singh and Cacace looked a long way short of their best, and our best two keepers had either been riding the bench for the last third of the season or had had a terrible one in general. Also we were missing Garbett too. We have so little depth it was always going to be a big struggle with that many not in form.
- defense was in general terrible (obvious observation), our coaching staff clearly didnt have what it took to get the defense working as well as it could have. Maybe hard to do without having plenty of properly competitive games against top quality opposition, but clearly it is possible as Ricki pulled it off. Good news is I saw it reported that Baze wants NZ to be able to get involved in competitions like the Gold Cup, so NZF must be at least trying to remedy the issue of us only getting competitive games against Oceania opposition.
- don't know if Baze has what it takes to get the best out of our players, probably not, but I really admire his approach for this tournament and the whole cycle, of 4 at the back and trying to actually play football. Really hated Hayball and Hudsonball and latter day Rickiball. I don't see the value in playing like the Socceroos do, I would genuinely rather be going home now than having to watch us into the round of 32 playing like them. If Baze is to stay he needs to get a really good assistant coach in who can sort the defense out.
- Highlights of being at the games were chanting "we, are, top of the group, we are top of the group", and to a corner-taking Mo Salah "who are ya? who are ya?" both while we were leading vs Egypt. Belgium was less fun but got a great view of a de Bruyne banger and was also a fun moment when VAR took their pen away, felt almost as good as us scoring.
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Could you imagine a hard nose gob off Aussie in the technical area, when Old had his balls stomped on 😣. He would have killed someone, and a foul/time out would have been bought. And a potential World Cup point (or 3) would’ve been ours.
A hard nose gobby Aussie, yet knows his stuff. I’m telling you, kiwi football fans would love it…
A hard nose gobby Aussie, yet knows his stuff. I’m telling you, kiwi football fans would love it…
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Good summary, Imanix and well done to all those AWs fans who stumped up the big dosh and went to this WC.
But personally I'd take playing like the hard nosed Socceroos and getting through to the R32, than being loveable entertaining losers, every day.
We look and play too nice. Where is the tatted up, hard tackling, no prisoners, in your face no 6!
But personally I'd take playing like the hard nosed Socceroos and getting through to the R32, than being loveable entertaining losers, every day.
We look and play too nice. Where is the tatted up, hard tackling, no prisoners, in your face no 6!
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It was kind of nice to be lovable loser nice guys this time.
But not in 2030…
But not in 2030…
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I’d like us to keep the score first and second part, but I’m also happy to do something like transition to a back 3 if that means holding the lead.
Do you think Bazeley wanted a Thomas, Bell and Stamenic midfield?
Any news about what the deal with McCowatt was?
Do you think Bazeley wanted a Thomas, Bell and Stamenic midfield?
Any news about what the deal with McCowatt was?
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coochiee wrote:
Good summary, Imanix and well done to all those AWs fans who stumped up the big dosh and went to this WC.
But personally I'd take playing like the hard nosed Socceroos and getting through to the R32, than being loveable entertaining losers, every day.
We look and play too nice. Where is the tatted up, hard tackling, no prisoners, in your face no 6!
Actually that’s a good point. Do any of our guys have tatts? It’s the 1-2% that can make all the difference…
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Banzai!...AIEEE!!! wrote:
Could you imagine a hard nose gob off Aussie in the technical area, when Old had his balls stomped on 😣. He would have killed someone, and a foul/time out would have been bought. And a potential World Cup point (or 3) would’ve been ours.
A hard nose gobby Aussie, yet knows his stuff. I’m telling you, kiwi football fans would love it…
That stamp happened away from most of the players, but for sure the reserves who were sideline nearby if Aussie or from most countries, would have run in and crowded the Egyptian guy who stood on Old. Some sort of melee, with pushing and shoving. Looking to stop him taking the quick throw, yelling at the ref and AR. Ours just stood there with raised arms.
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Banzai!...AIEEE!!! wrote:coochiee wrote:Actually that’s a good point. Do any of our guys have tatts? It’s the 1-2% that can make all the difference…
Good summary, Imanix and well done to all those AWs fans who stumped up the big dosh and went to this WC.
But personally I'd take playing like the hard nosed Socceroos and getting through to the R32, than being loveable entertaining losers, every day.
We look and play too nice. Where is the tatted up, hard tackling, no prisoners, in your face no 6!
Woud, Rogerson & Ruffs do but they ain't starters. No doubt I'm missing someone.
However overall it's a visibly very clean skin squad.
Some teams (Argy?) I don't see one player sans some tuff man ink.
However overall it's a visibly very clean skin squad.
Some teams (Argy?) I don't see one player sans some tuff man ink.
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I’d have no problem with Slice of Heaven being our permanent goal song also. Has a football connection too (watch the video).
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coochiee wrote:Sidi 1 wrote:
I wonder if Herve Renard would be interested coming down to the Pacific
Maybe NZF could find him some modelling work on the side. Does he speak English?
https://thesauditimes.net/en/renard-takes-over-tunisia-on-a-salary-90-lower-than-his-previous-deal/
French coach Hervé Renard has reportedly agreed to take charge of Tunisia for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accepting a salary significantly lower than the one he earned in his previous position.
According to Tunisian media reports, Renard will receive approximately $30,000 per month, compared with more than $450,000 per month during his previous tenure with Saudi Arabia.
The decision highlights Renard’s willingness to take on a new challenge and help Tunisia revive its World Cup campaign.
I remember his speech in the changing room when Saudi Arabia played Argentina (when they came back to win), and that was in English, thick French accent, but totally understandable.
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