Can people stop having a go at Baz... I didn't like his appointment, it was unambitions IMO and I struggled to see how he could be the best fit for the role, but let's look at some facts.
Unlike Hay and Hudson etc, Baz's selections have been a lot more understandable and justifiable. The players in general getting picked have deserved to be. Smith is an outlier for the WC, but at least there is a reason behind it. Outside that, I think most of us would agree he has got it right.
Back four... for years people on this forum complained about our negative back five, balls to the wall, hit long to Wood and hope tactics. We are now set up to try and hold possession, and actually do so quite well. We have had some lovely passages of football this tournament, and hints in earlier friendlies etc.
We are competative. People need to remember where we are on the world map footballing wise. We are a minnow, pure and simple, but we are playing good football and showing we are deserving of a place at the big dance. We haven't been humped 6-0 like other teams, or sat back on 20% possession and played super negative dross.
All this we could have made subs earlier, would in reality turn to, we should have made subs later had they come on earlier and we conceeded straight away etc. Arguing about what if's are pointless. Wood has played back to back 90 mins, how often does that happen? No one is calling for him to be subbed early, why?
New Zealand has done well under Baz. Better results, better brand of football overall.
Is he a charismatic guy, no. But has he done a decent job, most definately.
Unlike Hay and Hudson etc, Baz's selections have been a lot more understandable and justifiable. The players in general getting picked have deserved to be. Smith is an outlier for the WC, but at least there is a reason behind it. Outside that, I think most of us would agree he has got it right.
Back four... for years people on this forum complained about our negative back five, balls to the wall, hit long to Wood and hope tactics. We are now set up to try and hold possession, and actually do so quite well. We have had some lovely passages of football this tournament, and hints in earlier friendlies etc.
We are competative. People need to remember where we are on the world map footballing wise. We are a minnow, pure and simple, but we are playing good football and showing we are deserving of a place at the big dance. We haven't been humped 6-0 like other teams, or sat back on 20% possession and played super negative dross.
All this we could have made subs earlier, would in reality turn to, we should have made subs later had they come on earlier and we conceeded straight away etc. Arguing about what if's are pointless. Wood has played back to back 90 mins, how often does that happen? No one is calling for him to be subbed early, why?
New Zealand has done well under Baz. Better results, better brand of football overall.
Is he a charismatic guy, no. But has he done a decent job, most definately.