All Whites vs Curaçao | Sun 10th October | 5:00am | SS7

coochiee

andrewvoerman

You can watch the Bahrain–Curaçao match here if interested.

Watched first 8 mins. Curacao actually hit the post at 4.30mins approx in.
0-0 until HT & 1-0 until 84 mins. So final 4-0 scoreline likely misleading.

Bit like AWs, Curacao have some guys at a high level, and then some down in 3rd-4th tier/U21 football. Some at even lower levels than the AWs.

So if Kluivert made a heap of subs as per normal in a friendly, their team that finished the game may have been a big drop in quality from the starters. He's likely experimenting too, as a fairly new coach (replaced Guus Hiddink this year), with no major CONCACAF comps again until 2023??

Bahrain on the other hand have the Arab Cup, coming up in December. So perhaps a bit more in serious mode currently, with less dabbling.

Edit - see Curacao started their big guns Bacuna bros & Anita. Roly didn't start.
https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/curacao/55827

All goals in second half: 46 m. and three from 86 m. on.
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2021/10/06/world/friendlies/bahrain/netherlands-antilles/3661687/
Curacao started with this experienced eleven, several currently in the Eredivisie or with sizeable clubs; the six second half subs were aged 30, 28, 25, 23, 19 and 18 (see details below):
1 | Z. de la Paz G  Oakland Roots (USL, second tier; former Oldham Athletic #1)
2 | C. Martina  D  Unattached FC (captain; ex Everton, Southampton)
5 | S. Alberto  D   Pabdurii, Romania (ex Sparta Rotterdam) 
13 | J. Gaari D     RKC Waalwijk, Eredivisie
8 | V. Anita  D      RKC Waalwijk   (ex Newcastle Utd, Ajax)
10 | L. Bacuna M     Cardiff City (ex-Aston Villa, Premier League)
21 | A. Statie  M  Kozakken Boys (Dutch 3rd tier; mostly played in 2nd tier)
7 | J. Bacuna M  Glasgow Rangers (prev. Huddersfield PL & Champ.)
9 | R. Janga F Apollon, Cyprus (ex NEC, Dutch 2nd tier; Lugano, Swiss top tier)
17 | B. Kuwas  F  Maccabi Tel Aviv (ex Heracles, Eredivisie)
14 | K. Gorré F  Boavista, Portugal (4th season in Portuguese top tier)

Six subs by Curacao in the second half:  two at 46 m., three at 63 min., one at 86 min.: G Kastaneer, 25 yr old PEC Zwolle striker 46 m.; B. Martis, Celje, Slovenia 46 m. (23 yrs, ex Sparta Rotterdam defender);  J Antonia, NAC Breda 63 m.(Dutch 2nd tier aged 30); N Holder, Groningen u-21 63 m. defender aged 19;  G Nepomuceno, PFK Cherno, Bulgaria 28 yr forward (ex Dynamo Bucharest, Oldham Athletic) 63 m.; A Leito, PEC Zwolle u-21 forward aged 18 at 86 min.

Just checking out the Bahrain side.
They have a pretty successful Portuguese coach, Helio Sousa and have been on the up since he took charge in 2019.
Bahrain went through a rough patch for a decade after losing to the AW's in 2009 - having some of the players jailed by their autocratic regime during the "Arab Spring" protests wouldn't have helped morale or player strength.
Sousa lead Portugal's youth sides to the UEFA u-17 (2016) and u-19 (2018) titles (first time Portugal had ever won the UEFA u-19 title).
Won both the regional championships with Bahrain in 2019:
West Asian Football Federation Cup and the Arabian Gulf Cup
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lio_Sousa
Bahrain results 2020-21:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_national_football_team#Previous_matches
W: 10    D: 1     L: 3
Drew with Ukraine in May on the eve of the Euros.
World Cup qualifying:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_AFC_Second_Round#Group_C
Eliminated in the second round of AFC qualifying after being a bit unlucky to finish third in their group behind Iran and Iraq, having only lost one match of eight.
Beat group winner Iran at home and drew twice with runner-up Iraq.
Only losing away to iran put them out.

Feel like the middle eastern teams are never teams to take lightly. 

Bahrain will be a tough team to beat and have come a long way since 2009. 

I checked their most recent squad from June and I think (I could be wrong) Sayed Mohammed Jaffer and Ismail Abdullah-Tif are the only two left from that match in 2009. 

https://twitter.com/nz_football?lang=en

https://twitter.com/NZ_Football/status/1446356246466949122

https://www.facebook.com/AllWhites/photos/a.10159060803297697/10160088246967697/

https://www.facebook.com/AllWhites/photos/pcb.10160090053262697/10160090052767697/

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/126595374/all-whites-return-to-action-with-sights-set-on-the-world-cup-and-questions-to-be-answered

“I wish I was saying that a couple of years ago, but with the hiatus we've had, this is really the start of it. We need to have a good long look at a number of players and see who we want to move forward with.

“That's why these windows are going to be critical, but at the same time, we've been very, very open as a group that gone are the days of New Zealand national teams just turning up to have a game and to roll over to whoever the opposition might be.

“We're here to win football matches now and that's something that I think is really important for this group, because we know we've got the ability and capability of testing any team.”

https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/108778?newsfeedId=1275622

https://twitter.com/NZ_Football/status/1446663593798168580/photo/1

https://fb.watch/8wG94L5BMr/
Very hot conditions and only 2 days between the games. Expect lots of subs around 60-70 mins verus Curacao. 

Then probably a lot of changes from Curacao to Bahrain. Bearing in mind is very very important to keep club coaches like Dyche & Heath (Minnesota) happy, not having Wood & M Boxall etc turn up spent back at clubland. So the big names may only play first half at most against Bahrain in the 2nd game, or start on the bench.

Important that those coaches are happy with Hay & Co, when comes around to that 2-3 week March 2022 OFC tourney, which will at least be partly outside the March FIFA window. Need clubs of the big players esp on board then.

So a mix of experimentation finding out about some of the fringe players like Kirwan, plus not over working the big name players in hot conditions, so keeping their club bosses happy.

 

coochiee

https://www.facebook.com/AllWhites/photos/pcb.10160090053262697/10160090052767697/

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/126595374/all-whites-return-to-action-with-sights-set-on-the-world-cup-and-questions-to-be-answered

“I wish I was saying that a couple of years ago, but with the hiatus we've had, this is really the start of it. We need to have a good long look at a number of players and see who we want to move forward with.

“That's why these windows are going to be critical, but at the same time, we've been very, very open as a group that gone are the days of New Zealand national teams just turning up to have a game and to roll over to whoever the opposition might be.

“We're here to win football matches now and that's something that I think is really important for this group, because we know we've got the ability and capability of testing any team.”

I'm glad to read that more is expected then simply showing up and giving game time.  

If we, as NZ football fans want to see regular games against better nations, we need evidence on the field to show that we are worth playing.  Losing to Lithuania does not look good when trying to get matches against the world's best.

Fire Up mate! How’s the kiwi fan contingent?

Really looking forward to this game. Hay will start with his "best" XI and give them 60-70 mins so will be a good chance to assess how the senior players fit into the Olympic system.

My focus will be on whether Boxall, Tuiloma and Smith can play as well in possession as Stensess and Pinjaker. Ironic given they are the senior players but ive never really seen them do that in an all whites shirt before so that will be interesting.

Also cant wait to see Sarpreet and hoping to see some of Stamenic - i think those two and Bell really offer something in the middle third. 

Be interesting to see if Hay plays with 5 at the back like he did vs Korea or plays 4-3-3.  I feel like he might start with 5-3-2 then switch to 4-3-3 if its tight after 50 mins.

40 mins to KO, cant wait!!

For all the shark we give them at times, the build up show on Sky has been really good for a friendly. 

Yeah but now we have to listen to Fred.

watching_from_far

Yeah but now we have to listen to Fred.

Yeah they are so far just repeating all the pregame talk and not calling any of the match. 

Apparently neither of the commentators watch the MLS if they were shocked Bill was on the free kick! 

Am at the game and am happy that we are two goals to the good but there is only about five people here.  Not sure what you guys can see on tv.

Very much a 2nd XI on the park generally but what a great save Marinovic made.

Pretty happy with that half tbh. Could've had at least one more goal too. Good to watch.

Dewhurst and De Jong simply too busy talking about stuff, not the actual game, and when we score two decent goals the lack of enthusiasm is clearly apparent. Makes a decent effort from our boys very hard to watch.
Think Hay's press is working really well, frustrating the opposition big time. Miranovic made a really good save at the end of the half to maintain the lead.

Monto

Pretty happy with that half tbh. Could've had at least one more goal too. Good to watch.

 I put a few readies down on the bookies for a kiwi win.  My trip is nearly half paid off already!  C'mon you Whites.

Marto

Am at the game and am happy that we are two goals to the good but there is only about five people here.  Not sure what you guys can see on tv.

Very much a 2nd XI on the park generally but what a great save Marinovic made.

 Five people sure but that gigantic photo has to count for at least five thousand.

theprof

Dewhurst and De Jong simply too busy talking about stuff, not the actual game, and when we score two decent goals the lack of enthusiasm is clearly apparent. Makes a decent effort from our boys very hard to watch.
Think Hay's press is working really well, frustrating the opposition big time. Miranovic made a really good save at the end of the half to maintain the lead.

I've said that before but have been shot down for saying it (kiwi commentary).  There are other kiwis better suited to do the commentary then those two.

First time I've watched the AWs without a beer in my hand.  An odd feeling watching the AWs sober!

Marto

First time I've watched the AWs without a beer in my hand.  An odd feeling watching the AWs sober!

 That's rough. You're a legend for getting over to the game though, good on you.

Marto

theprof

Dewhurst and De Jong simply too busy talking about stuff, not the actual game, and when we score two decent goals the lack of enthusiasm is clearly apparent. Makes a decent effort from our boys very hard to watch.
Think Hay's press is working really well, frustrating the opposition big time. Miranovic made a really good save at the end of the half to maintain the lead.

I've said that before but have been shot down for saying it (kiwi commentary).  There are other kiwis better suited to do the commentary then those two.

Jason Pine springs to mind. I'd prefer him commentating from NZ than these two at the game.

theprof

Marto

theprof

Dewhurst and De Jong simply too busy talking about stuff, not the actual game, and when we score two decent goals the lack of enthusiasm is clearly apparent. Makes a decent effort from our boys very hard to watch.
Think Hay's press is working really well, frustrating the opposition big time. Miranovic made a really good save at the end of the half to maintain the lead.

I've said that before but have been shot down for saying it (kiwi commentary).  There are other kiwis better suited to do the commentary then those two.

Jason Pine springs to mind. I'd prefer him commentating from NZ than these two at the game.

 Agreed. Those two could put me to sleep any time, especially at 5 in the morning!

We've been playing bang average last 15 and what happens, they score a good goal.  Very much a 2nd XI at the back.

Wtf Kirwan. Had a decent game until then. 

I'm pretty sure Bell got taken out in the lead up to that.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an air-header like that before. Truly special 

YouCanCallMeAl

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an air-header like that before. Truly special 

 Was a well taken goal but our midfield is goneburgers.  I think we would be better served with Tuiloma in the midfield and Smith out on the park.  Bell has not been that great today.

I'd love for the Nix to approach Smith and see if he's keen to relocate to NZ.  Better league, team, city and weather then where he is right now.

Kirwan hasn't done himself any favours for that long term right back spot. Did okay first half but awful second half. 

Enjoyed the little spat between Bacuna and Cacace near the end. 

Cacace wanted to deck the guy. 

siac

Kirwan hasn't done himself any favours for that long term right back spot. Did okay first half but awful second half. 

I don't think a lot of fringe guys did themselves any favours.   Was a poor second half from us.

Anyways off to the hotel for a drink or two to celebrate our first win since India in Mumbai (was at that too).  Good night/morning lads/ladies!

Puttting things in perspective- Playing in heat, against a team nearly 50 rankings higher, with a number of debutants I think we did very well.

We bossed the game for 60 odd minutes and squandered a bunch of good opportunities. Bring on Bahrain! 

siac

Kirwan hasn't done himself any favours for that long term right back spot. Did okay first half but awful second half. 

Solid but you can see why he hasn't progressed, lacks that explosive pace to be a modern fullback.

Shame we didn't adjust properly to the change in Curacao's formation to a back three. They were basically playing without wingbacks and there should have been plenty of space for wide players to run into but we were too narrow and kept trying to push the fullbacks forward. You'd think Champness with his pace and skills would have caused some issues.

Anyway, good to get a win. Stamenic and Garbett looked good and linked up very well, Singh was very good when we were on the front foot and McCowatt looked better than in Tokyo. Pjinaker continues to impress. Everyone else did what was expected, first 50 or so minutes was good fun.

Really??? 

theprof

Marto

theprof

Dewhurst and De Jong simply too busy talking about stuff, not the actual game, and when we score two decent goals the lack of enthusiasm is clearly apparent. Makes a decent effort from our boys very hard to watch.
Think Hay's press is working really well, frustrating the opposition big time. Miranovic made a really good save at the end of the half to maintain the lead.

I've said that before but have been shot down for saying it (kiwi commentary).  There are other kiwis better suited to do the commentary then those two.

Jason Pine springs to mind. I'd prefer him commentating from NZ than these two at the game.

maynardf

Puttting things in perspective- Playing in heat, against a team nearly 50 rankings higher, with a number of debutants I think we did very well.

We bossed the game for 60 odd minutes and squandered a bunch of good opportunities. Bring on Bahrain! 

Rankings mean bugger all.
What is perspective is their starting back plays for a Bulgarian third tier team and hasn't played a club game since April 2019. They are not a good side.

2ndBest

maynardf

Puttting things in perspective- Playing in heat, against a team nearly 50 rankings higher, with a number of debutants I think we did very well.

We bossed the game for 60 odd minutes and squandered a bunch of good opportunities. Bring on Bahrain! 

Rankings mean bigger all.
What is perspective is their starting back plays for a Bulgarian third tier team and hasn't played a club game since April 2019. They are not a good side.

By the same token, you could say that our starting CB is in the Danish second tier and hasn't played a first-team club game since early 2020, and we subbed on an amateur right-back.

They're a decent national team with a severely weakened side this international break who are still finding their feet. It's a good win, and we can take a lot of heart from that opening hour before the heat got to us

2ndBest

maynardf

Puttting things in perspective- Playing in heat, against a team nearly 50 rankings higher, with a number of debutants I think we did very well.

We bossed the game for 60 odd minutes and squandered a bunch of good opportunities. Bring on Bahrain! 

Rankings mean bigger all.
What is perspective is their starting back plays for a Bulgarian third tier team and hasn't played a club game since April 2019. They are not a good side.

I think that’s a bit harsh, the rankings follow the same for every team so they’re marked on the same criteria as we are, yet they get to be 79 vs our 121, and if you judge players on their weakest link, we started a guy who plays U19 football and another with three league appearances at a higher level than Swedish fourth tier. They also started various ex-Premier League players and Eredivisie players that would be guaranteed starters for us, so yeah they might not beat France or Italy but we aren’t exactly world class either.

Covid restrictions mean Jason Pine wouldn't have been able to travel to Auckland to commentate even if they wanted him to.  In his absence I'd have gone for Gordon Glen Watson instead of Dewhurst - granted we'd get a more professional, researched approach and less in-jokes and parroting stat sheets, but I think I could live with that...