Back to Forum

All Whites vs Finland | Fri 27th March | 7:00pm (NZT) | Eden Park

166 replies · 2,670 views

about 1 month ago

observerfromuh wrote:
tbh the ref has let a bit slide but no excuses. the commentators need to go too.

FIFA+. Some Englander. Was bloody awful too.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
We always seem to play poorly at Eden Park. Flat atmosphere.
Was a couple of mins there late first half, where Finland just held the ball, playing their little triangles. They are dominating the midfield.

Pohjanpalo is a big unit and does have 21 goals in Serie B for Palermo this season. A well taken header, but a worry no one picked him up.

Two fairly evened matched teams, but AWs need to play better.

Pohjanpal is playing in Serie B?!! I watched the game late and we made him look like prime Haaland. I should have gone to bed.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Netzer wrote:
As I mentioned before -that's what you get with "jobs for the boys" like the coaches (HC not even been in charge at NL level and AC v;Readings,Elliot - for real) with no idea/man management and/or tactical knowledge at international level- no surprise- DB will select the same players (Just,Tuiloma,Mac Cowatt etc) for the WC but not performance based- not his fault to being completely out of his depth - NZF will never learn even with the best budget and squad ever available and an easy WC route and draw- for example like Australia appointed GH for the WC to have success

NZF couldn't afford the wages of Guus Hiddink's brother let alone GH himself.
Your comments make little sense. Who actually deserves to get into the AWs ahead of Just & McCowatt. Name them.

This was a really disappointing poor performance. The worse by this AWs team in some time. The Socceroos game at Mt Smart last year (3-1 loss) was a pretty flat game, but this was even poorer.

Those matches aside this team has been producing some promising performances against top 50 sides, the last 2-3 years. Really need to see a response against Chile.

As per others, Bell starting will be a big help. And I'm hopeful Paulsen will offer more than Crocs, esp re trying to play out from the back.

But come the WC we need nearly all of Libby, Boxy, Singh, Garbs plus Wood fit and ready to go, otherwise it could be bleak watching.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

djtim3000 wrote:
coochiee wrote:
We always seem to play poorly at Eden Park. Flat atmosphere.
Was a couple of mins there late first half, where Finland just held the ball, playing their little triangles. They are dominating the midfield.

Pohjanpalo is a big unit and does have 21 goals in Serie B for Palermo this season. A well taken header, but a worry no one picked him up.

Two fairly evened matched teams, but AWs need to play better.
Pohjanpal is playing in Serie B?!! I watched the game late and we made him look like prime Haaland. I should have gone to bed.

Well our starting striker tonight plays for the bottom team in the English 3rd tier, and ain't got anywhere near 21 league goals this season.

Palermo are 4th in Serie B, and Pohjanpal is the league's leading scorer, 8 goals!! ahead of the guy in 2nd. https://us.soccerway.com/italy/serie-b/standings/jwYYXp2E/top-scorers/ We would definitely start a guy like that in the AWs up alongside Wood.

It ain't going to happen, but man I'd agrue Mata (long ball option Plan B), or Dyer (scoring goals) deserve to be World Cup squaddies more than an out of sorts Kosta. He offered nothing really when coming on.

Crowd 17,603.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360950091/set-piece-blunder-costs-all-whites-against-finland-first-fifa-world-cup-send-match

https://twitter.com/NZ_Football/status/2037466815480410334
Our newest All White Lachlan Bayliss on making his debut 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/kxjAT20Cwo
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 27, 2026

Permalink

about 1 month ago

That was just not good, against a team that I think were signifcantly inferior to teams we have competed well against (Norway, Ivory Coast, Australia when we played them in Canberra). Hoping it was just a bad night, unlike that loss to Australia at Mt Smart, we have another chance v Chile to put it right at home.

We're never going to see a Thomas/Stamenic/Bell midfield 3 are we? We will keep playing 3 ineffective 10s instead. All 3 are far better players than all of our #10s in my opinion and so we should have tried a setup that got them all into the XI. Stamenic can be a pseudo #10.

Would have liked to have seen the likes of McCowatt and Garbett tried as the #9 before now, Waine and Kosta aren't good enough. Who knows if McCowatt or Garbett would have been either but surely worth a go. Since that isn't happening we have to try Randall as the #9 vs Chile.

McCowatt shouldnt be played as one of the #10 positions again. Has had too many chances and isn't going to deliver. I was actually pretty impressed by de Jong today, and thought Old did alright too.

I have always been of the opinion over the last year that Crocombe should be our #1 but after how poor that game was I feel like we have to try to do some things differently so we might as well give Paulsen a crack. Especially as today a big part of the plan seemed to be to pass it back to Crocombe to try and draw Finland forward and then attack quickly. If that is the strategy then we probably should be playing Paulsen.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Stamenic, Thomas & Bell together may still happen at the WC. Bell apparently had a calf niggle so not fully fit to start this game, and he'll have to start on Monday against Chile, a match Thomas will likely sit out.

He will be away from squad training at his sister's Te Puke wedding Saturday-Sunday, plus he has his own loading to manage to the end of the Eredivisie season with his dodgy hammys.

Really in a way it would have been better if the AWs had played 2 games in Europe this window, keeping the travel distances short for the key players in their squad. But hey from a PR perspective NZF want the AWs playing at home as often as they can.

Old with an honest assessment of the AWs effort tonight. It's games like this where I feel Garbett is missed, he's all heart and getting stuck in. Makes things happen. Follow me.

Agree big chance for Paulsen on Monday to grab the starting keeper role. He's playing for Lechia Gdansk, and from their last match highlights playing well. Crocs was decidedly average tonight. I found it depressing watching the Finns comfortably win ball after ball he pumped forward.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360950091/set-piece-blunder-costs-all-whites-against-finland-first-fifa-world-cup-send-match

Stamenić was partnered by Ryan Thomas at the base of midfield, as the wait to see both of them and Joe Bell on the pitch at the same time went on. Bazeley said Bell – one of eight substitutes used – had been managing a calf niggle and initially was set to sit the match out entirely.

While he was glad to have had a strong outing high up the pitch after weeks playing at left back for his club, Old was among those gutted not to have done better for the 17,603 fans in attendance.

“It just didn’t look like we wanted it enough,” was his analysis afterwards. “They looked like they were winning all the duels, winning all the chances – just simple things you need to do to win a game.

“We didn't have the quality, but I also don't think we had the fight that deserved to win the game.”

Bazeley said there had been “a lot of honesty” from the his players after a first half that wasn’t up to scratch.

“It hurts the players, because we all know this is a home game, with a good crowd.

“They wanted so hard to put on a performance and get a result, because we have done it pretty tough over the last year away from home, and this time we're the home team.

“We should have that advantage, and we didn't take advantage of that.”

The All Whites suffered an injury blow when de Vries went off late in the first half after feeling tightness in his calf.

He was being assessed but it is hard to see him playing on Monday, with his next club match for Auckland FC in A-League Men as soon as next Friday night.

Lachlan Bayliss made his debut in the second half and released Old and Eli Just with a couple of nice first-time balls in midfield, but was left trailing goalscorer Oksanen as Finland put the match to bed.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

This side really lacks any nous without the senior players in there, completely directionless. I think we'll look respectable IF the likes of Wood, Boxall and Cacace are all fit.

For now, the glaring issue is lack of goals, and pressure that's creating - too many low-quality shots taken in panic, and the link up play which had been present in some of the past matches wasn't there. If we can get a couple goals tucked away (big if), the decision making and confidence in the final third will improve.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Teams will be more faster then us, teams will be more classy then us, teams will be more skilful then us. That is a fact and always will be.

it’s also not possible for a national team coach to have a direct impact on any of these points.

But lord, the one thing that should never happen to the All Whites is to be beaten up by an opposition that is more physical.

That mindset can be impacted by the coach but did not occur at all yesterday.

Auckland will rise once more

Permalink

about 1 month ago

Well that was underwhelming. Usual Baze Tactics. All run around tightly together as a clump, no width or stretching the opposition and not forgetting the long ball attack. Sadly Ben Waine spent more time moaning to the referee than actually getting on with his job. Less of the Jack Grealish Headbands Ben and more focus on doing what you are meant to be doing. Poor Ben Old. So much talent but not asked to use it in the current scheme and game plan. Tim Payne past it? He still looks sluggish but he I am not sure if he would be a or should be a starter.

In essence what I saw from the All Whites was a load of players with high potential and or skills, completely bereft of ideas on what to actually do. 11 players or should I say, 11 individuals trying to make something happen. No real game plan other than the long ball. The last 5 games have all been the same. You want them to win but you can't see it happening. Bazely has been given some decent fixtures to give the team purpose, familiarity, yet it looks so disjointed. Worse than A League at times. Sorry, but that's how it looked to me anyway.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Teams will be more faster then us, teams will be more classy then us, teams will be more skilful then us. That is a fact and always will be.

Defeatist.

Pathetic.

Three for me, and two for them.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Jonty07 wrote:
We are terrible. De Vries is pants, Payne is pants! Extremely average and there's not a chance we get out of group stage!

This game showed exactly the difference between a championship level player and a decent Aleague one.
De Vries may have a good cross on him and that works when you have Wood in the middle, but defensively De Vries is gobshite. Too slow, and immobile. Fiorst goal was all his error for letting the striker get passed him and then not even leaping for the ball.
Second goal showed why Crocombe really shouldnt be our #1. He lost his temper/focus in the first half and never regained it, their second goal was a simple one to stop and he barely moved! Paulsen stops that all day everyday.

On the positive side, Randall and Bayliss looked decent, both troubling the Finnish defence - even if they were on tired legs. Just the finishing was lacking.

Queenslander 3x a year.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
We always seem to play poorly at Eden Park. Flat atmosphere.
Was a couple of mins there late first half, where Finland just held the ball, playing their little triangles. They are dominating the midfield.

Pohjanpalo is a big unit and does have 21 goals in Serie B for Palermo this season. A well taken header, but a worry no one picked him up.

Two fairly evened matched teams, but AWs need to play better.

I thought the atmosphere sounded awesome on TV, constant noise, at times you were struggling to hear the commentators, i thought it sounded noticeably different to usual AW's games.

"You can never get a bloody tradesman at Easter, it's a wonder Jesus got crucified" - Karl Pilkington

Permalink

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

I had the FIFA+ English commentator and he certainly wasn’t drowned out.

Those who were actually at the match will know best how the atmosphere was. Maybe it was decent

Nice to see a good pocket of Finnish fans, and even a small group of Boca Junior hinchas.

The early game showed there will be a loud Chilean backing on Monday

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

theprof wrote:
Jonty07 wrote:
We are terrible. De Vries is pants, Payne is pants! Extremely average and there's not a chance we get out of group stage!
This game showed exactly the difference between a championship level player and a decent Aleague one.
De Vries may have a good cross on him and that works when you have Wood in the middle, but defensively De Vries is gobshite. Too slow, and immobile. Fiorst goal was all his error for letting the striker get passed him and then not even leaping for the ball.
Second goal showed why Crocombe really shouldnt be our #1. He lost his temper/focus in the first half and never regained it, their second goal was a simple one to stop and he barely moved! Paulsen stops that all day everyday.

On the positive side, Randall and Bayliss looked decent, both troubling the Finnish defence - even if they were on tired legs. Just the finishing was lacking.

People getting stuck in too much on De Vries for the first goal. Set pieces work because the defense has to react and the time it takes to react, with a well worked set piece, creates the space for opportunities. De Vries had no chance to jump, at best he could have impeded the run before the attacker arrived in the area to jump. And again, a well worked set piece makes it hard for defense to impede those runs. It may look bad because he didn't jump, but that is not actually looking at the situation with all your neurons firing.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Such a putrefied performances lads AND lassies just get rid of this Bozo you have as NZ mánager. Utter crap, that formation doesnt fit in your better players , break the Piggy bank, and ger some proper dude at the helm.

Right back must be Storm Roux because of experience, left back , ger some one , Ryan Thomas así faux 9 since Wood Is recovering , Bell stamenic de Vries and Bayliss or old in diamond formation. At least Danny Hay played attractive football , frantic football with Cacace as the full footballer anchor. As Keano Said fail to prepare......prepare to ....

Permalink

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Any defensive coaches here? Why wouldn't you get the AWs biggest unit Surman, to man mark the large viking Pohjanpal at corners? An obvious goal threat.
You'd hope the AWs staff had done a bit of home work on the Finns, and specifically the leading goal scorer in Serie B this season.

Another issue/tactic that seemed strange as pointed out by Imanix was playing back to Crocombe to pump it long. That might work okay with Wood up front, but last night it mostly was just giving the ball back to the Finns. Hopefully Paulsen can do better.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
Netzer wrote:
As I mentioned before -that's what you get with "jobs for the boys" like the coaches (HC not even been in charge at NL level and AC v;Readings,Elliot - for real) with no idea/man management and/or tactical knowledge at international level- no surprise- DB will select the same players (Just,Tuiloma,Mac Cowatt etc) for the WC but not performance based- not his fault to being completely out of his depth - NZF will never learn even with the best budget and squad ever available and an easy WC route and draw- for example like Australia appointed GH for the WC to have success
NZF couldn't afford the wages of Guus Hiddink's brother let alone GH himself.
Your comments make little sense. Who actually deserves to get into the AWs ahead of Just & McCowatt. Name them.

This was a really disappointing poor performance. The worse by this AWs team in some time. The Socceroos game at Mt Smart last year (3-1 loss) was a pretty flat game, but this was even poorer.

Those matches aside this team has been producing some promising performances against top 50 sides, the last 2-3 years. Really need to see a response against Chile.

As per others, Bell starting will be a big help. And I'm hopeful Paulsen will offer more than Crocs, esp re trying to play out from the back.

But come the WC we need nearly all of Libby, Boxy, Singh, Garbs plus Wood fit and ready to go, otherwise it could be bleak watching.

Hey someone for the world cup, there are Tons of mánagers who would rise to the ocassion. WC CARROT. Some glamour coach the players need hope they looked hopeless AND that uninspiring feeling comes from the bench.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

Offer Martín O'Neill the post, at least he Is a proper coach who knows how to field an eleven on the pitch. Or Mick McCarthy, anyone who has a proven pedigree, an experienced Man with a proper CV , it Is just 3 ganes and then who knows, Egypt and Iran are very beatable

Permalink

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
Any defensive coaches here? Why wouldn't you get the AWs biggest unit Surman, to man mark the large viking Pohjanpal at corners? An obvious goal threat.
You'd hope the AWs staff had done a bit of home work on the Finns, and specifically the leading goal scorer in Serie B this season.

Another issue/tactic that seemed strange as pointed out by Imanix was playing back to Crocombe to pump it long. That might work okay with Wood up front, but last night it mostly was just giving the ball back to the Finns. Hopefully Paulsen can do better.

I can't remember if Surman was marking someone specifically, but you may want your best headerers zonal, then along with the 'keeper you have decent aerial coverage in like 3 areas. If they are man marking then they can be pulled out of play.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
Any defensive coaches here? Why wouldn't you get the AWs biggest unit Surman, to man mark the large viking Pohjanpal at corners? An obvious goal threat.
You'd hope the AWs staff had done a bit of home work on the Finns, and specifically the leading goal scorer in Serie B this season.

Another issue/tactic that seemed strange as pointed out by Imanix was playing back to Crocombe to pump it long. That might work okay with Wood up front, but last night it mostly was just giving the ball back to the Finns. Hopefully Paulsen can do better.

Im not so sure the tactic was to go back to Crocs to launch it so much as the CBs and 6's had little options showing so we played across the back. The thing is at any level you have to "want" the ball. Otherwise you get lost and become a passenger.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

A 'glamour' coach would have the team max 2-3 weeks from squad gathering together in the US, before first match against Iran. Really what could they achieve in such a short time. It's also just not the Kiwi way, to make last minute coaching changes. High risk the players don't like the whole idea, and it just destabilizes the whole WC campaign.

Last night was a very poor performance. Probably the poorest AWs effort since Mexico in 2024 (3-0 loss). Hopefully it's an aberration.

Lets not forget an AWs team sans Wood, Thomas, Libby & Paulsen went toe to toe with a strong Colombian side in November (2-1 loss). Only conceding a late soft goal, and Randall was near to scoring prior that would have put us up 2-1.

Has been enough promising stuff under Bazeley to feel that overall the team is heading upwards. But yes need a big response for the Chilean match. If is a similarly feeble performance, pile on the criticism. Though again a late coaching change this close to the WC, ain't gonna happen.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

My assessment.

Full backs - massive step up from A League. Look at the first 10 minutes. Payne took a heavy touch when playing a one two to come inside, when receiving the ball back form a throw etc- simply not international standard. Just puts the pressure on us and creates transitional moments when vulnerable. We need pace and muscle out there and Payne is a liability now- would not have said that 3 years ago but his club form has dropped massively also. Elliot should be given a run on Monday. He's still raw but he's quick, aggressive and good 1 v 1 . Payne's experience is now overshadowed by limitations. De Vries will always be reliable but get torn apart by pace - thats why we need two 6's to cover our FBs or CBs as we will sometimes need 2 v 1 in those situations.

Right Hand Side was dead. Callum M had another meh match. Needs to want the ball - invert runs, I dunno. Maybe those at the match could see what he was doing off the ball/camera. But he and Payne weren't up to much. I think Just should play on the RHS - cut in and we play an 8 in front of the 6's with some real energy and bite (like a Garbett, Bayliss).

Now the talk about the best generation ever has to stop just being talk - the 2010 side must get pretty frustrated hearing that trundled out when results are still L's. Over the world cup cycle there was always a performance focus given we don't have competitive qualies but now that has to change. Even this week we are still talking about performance. Stuff that- that word should be banned now. We want W's, winners in the team.

Randall is good on the RHS. Think Kosta as a false ( offered something different as we needed to draw their CBs out to create the space rather than play high with Waine. Horses for courses but that was obvious from the first half.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

tablemanners wrote:
coochiee wrote:
Any defensive coaches here? Why wouldn't you get the AWs biggest unit Surman, to man mark the large viking Pohjanpal at corners? An obvious goal threat.
You'd hope the AWs staff had done a bit of home work on the Finns, and specifically the leading goal scorer in Serie B this season.

Another issue/tactic that seemed strange as pointed out by Imanix was playing back to Crocombe to pump it long. That might work okay with Wood up front, but last night it mostly was just giving the ball back to the Finns. Hopefully Paulsen can do better.
Im not so sure the tactic was to go back to Crocs to launch it so much as the CBs and 6's had little options showing so we played across the back. The thing is at any level you have to "want" the ball. Otherwise you get lost and become a passenger.

It was noticeable that when Bell came on he very much 'wanted' the ball. I mean yes he was fresh on as a sub, but that's also that's his game, getting on the ball as much as possible.

He was missed not being a starter. Apparently a bit of a calf niggle. Fingers crossed he'ss good to go from the start on Monday. Wouldn't mind Stamenic (basically as a 10), Bell and Rufer all starting together. Old to LB to replace the lame FDV, and Just across to be where Old was last night. Randall in for McCowatt. Tuiloma (if fit enough) in for Payne at RB

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

I wonder who could replace Payne, he was not at his best last night, and I feel that there must be an alternative.
Maybe I am being a bit scathing!!

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

I want to see Randall start and Old at LB - lets see what is happening that the coaching are raving about in France.

I thought we lacked creativity completely, which is another reason to pick Randall. He has pace to cause issues and is ok at taking on his man, he absolutely stood up their RB at one stage etc. Bayliss I thought did excellent when he came on, turned into space and drove at pockets and gave us some impetus. We certainly looked more threatening with him on.

We were always going to struggle. Players out + players not 100%, but I still expected more. I thought De Vries outside his lapse at the corner was ok. Yes he's not quick, but he's serviceable. As someone mentioned, why wasn't Surman or Bindon marking the scorer.

Payne not doing it for me currently and McCowatt seems to offer very little. Is it our system, because at club level he looks solid. Just likewise was quite poor last night. Tactics, positioning or the strength of the opposition??

It was a meh game by us.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Taupoboy wrote:
I wonder who could replace Payne, he was not at his best last night, and I feel that there must be an alternative.
Maybe I am being a bit scathing!!

No, unfortunately. It is the glaring issue we have. And Tuiloma you feel is the only competitor at this stage. Roux is at a similar level to Payne. Elliot…I don’t think he’s big enough to be in a 4. Might be okay against Finland, but not against better opposition.

Tuiloma might sit deeper, but yeh, Payne has had a bad month and needs to up his game desperately.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Bit of a black mark against Stamenic and Thomas that they couldn’t get on the ball and control a game the way Bell or Singh can.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

coochiee wrote:
A 'glamour' coach would have the team max 2-3 weeks from squad gathering together in the US, before first match against Iran. Really what could they achieve in such a short time. It's also just not the Kiwi way, to make last minute coaching changes. High risk the players don't like the whole idea, and it just destabilizes the whole WC campaign.

Last night was a very poor performance. Probably the poorest AWs effort since Mexico in 2024 (3-0 loss). Hopefully it's an aberration.

Lets not forget an AWs team sans Wood, Thomas, Libby & Paulsen went toe to toe with a strong Colombian side in November (2-1 loss). Only conceding a late soft goal, and Randall was near to scoring prior that would have put us up 2-1.

Has been enough promising stuff under Bazeley to feel that overall the team is heading upwards. But yes need a big response for the Chilean match. If is a similarly feeble performance, pile on the criticism. Though again a late coaching change this close to the WC, ain't gonna happen.

To be fair, the last 5-7 results have not ended up as big wins or famous wins but 1-0 or 2-0 losses you could see it in the games what is coming. Bazely's big hope is "Get the ball forward, pass to Chris Woods" Route One or Counter attack, cross that ball in. No one else to take responsibility. That's his game plan A, B & C.

That Woods has been out of it for the last 3 or so game reflects that there is no one else to fill the 6'4" gap and that the players are too afraid to have a shot themselves.

Against Finland no one wanted to shoot seriously, except Randell from ridiculous angles. But Finland were taking shots from all directions and distances.

In the press conferences Bazely has talked the talk, seen positives where there were none but in the next game his team has not walked the walk.

Bazely puts too much faith and way too much pressure on Chris Woods to be the only player allowed to or has to score. Whilst a good striker, he's near enough 35 and getting the injuries accordingly. He's done his bit, no one else is standing up. Ben Waine could, if he spent more time getting into gaps to chase the ball rather than giving the referee a running commentary. It might work in League 1 but it doesn't in Internationals.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink

about 1 month ago

martinb wrote:
Bit of a black mark against Stamenic and Thomas that they couldn’t get on the ball and control a game the way Bell or Singh can.

Yeah was not impressed with Stamenic at all, he has so much promise but on the field he looked a little lost - maybe it had something to do with this being the first home game that he has played since his father's passing? maybe not? Eitherway he wasnt as good as he should be. When Bell came on there was a noticable difference.

Queenslander 3x a year.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

theprof wrote:
martinb wrote:
Bit of a black mark against Stamenic and Thomas that they couldn’t get on the ball and control a game the way Bell or Singh can.
Yeah was not impressed with Stamenic at all, he has so much promise but on the field he looked a little lost - maybe it had something to do with this being the first home game that he has played since his father's passing? maybe not? Eitherway he wasnt as good as he should be. When Bell came on there was a noticable difference.

Have been watching a few games for Swansea, and he is an absolute baller in moments - clinical tackles and silky passes, but then often just looks aloof the rest of the game playing back passes.

Permalink

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

The FIFA Series matches here and in Australia are a great chance to compare the AW's and Socceroos.
It's for the first time easy to watch both national teams live or on demand for free playing in the same period.
The Socceroos matches vs. Cameroon and Curacao in the FIFA Series are available live and on demand on FIFA+ in NZ.
Find all the FIFA Series games here:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/showcase/fifa-series-2026/211e042e-d7fb-46a9-a621-5a30a45a18d6

I watched the Socceroos vs. Cameroon which kicked off an hour after the AW's v Finland finished.
Popovic has the side very well organized (a much more effective unit than the All Whites in this respect)
They lack a cutting edge up front, though Irankunda did well when he came on at halftime, and were lucky to get the win.
Eight subs on in the second half (who were all pretty good) replacing all but two outfield players - shows their depth.
Full Socceroos squad and the clubs they play for here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_men%27s_national_soccer_team#Players
Starting lineup and the subs here vs. Cameroon:
https://za.soccerway.com/match/australia-xSrf6qMM/cameroon-zk1uVG2D/summary/lineups/?mid=U7WG1svn

Comparing the club level of their players with ours (Socceroos starting 11):
Goal: la Liga
Defence: MLS / Serie A / Eredivisie / Austria / J2 (Jap 2nd tier)
Midfield: SPL / Championship / Bundesliga / MLS
Strikers: Poland

The eight subs who came on in the second half:
Defenders: Cyprus / MLS / Championship
Midfielders: Eredivisie / MLS / A-League
Strikers: Championship / Segunda Div. (Spain 2nd tier)
Only four A-League players in the squad; only one played.

Socceroos v Curacao will be streaming live here in NZ at 10pm Tuesday NZT:
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/australia-vs-curacao/05aca402-c4ee-4318-b383-a4a24cd7861b

The most entertaining FIFA Series game though was definitely the New Caledonia v Jamaica WCQ play-off.
I watched that third on demand after the Socceroos match.
More than 40,000 in the Guadalajara stadium, 95% rooting for underdog New Caledonia.
And, boy, did NC put up a good fight.
Won the ball a surprising number of times and mounted some good attacks right to the end with the precarious score only 1-0.
George Gopes-Fenepej, a former Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 striker in France had some good chances, including a spectacular effort from 20 m.
Watch out in future vs. the AW's for former French youth international and Ligue 1 midfielder Angelo Fulgini (age 29) currently playing in the Saudi Pro League on loan from major French club Lens.
The most high-profile player to ever play for NC (more than 200 Ligue 1 apps for Angers and Lens and in the Bundesliga for Mainz).

Big Pete 65, Christchurch

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

Simon Elliott speaks. Despite long time Stateside, still very much a NZ accent.

More I dwell on it I think Rufer should start. AWs far too passive against Finland, and as mentioned above is some parallels to playing the USA in 2024 and seeking a physical midfield reponse after a poor game 1 in that window verus Mexico.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360957585/all-whites-assistant-coach-lifting-chile-after-finland-loss

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

I watched the full game, but will not repeat what others have said in terms of detailed analysis of individual players.

Couple of things stood out for me. One, the team played as if they hardly ever met before. Even McGarry, who is a beast for Brisbane, looked lost at times not sure who to expect to turn up to receive his forward pass. That lack of cohesion is a worry because there is a risk there won't be enough time to fix it.

Another, it is futile to say "oh, but Wood did not play". In the games against Australia playing Wood as a centre of our attack worked well in the first game, in Canberra, but Wood had a day off that day. In the second game in NZ, AUS had our measure and knew how to adjust, and Wood was ineffective. My point is we need to play well whether or not Wood is there, otherwise he is basically the Mo Salah of the AWs.

Three, I am still not sold on Darren Bazeley as a coach and consider him about as good as Giancarlo Italiano - in that both him and Italiano are both good in some aspects but do not really belong at the level they were appointed to.
I completely agree that bringing a brand new coach for the WC finals is out of question, but many countries have done that before, except they did not have the "tyranny of distance" to contend with and had way more time than a few months. But if I were to be brutally honest I would make a call to either Ufuk Talay, or to Join Aloisi, who are both relatively unoccupied at present, and give either of them a three months contract with a bonus if we do not lose all three games at the WC. Either would do a better job at devising playing tactics and would have a more attacking bend than what I have seen last Friday night.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

McGarry I actually thought looked okay on attack. Had some nice touches. He's one player I would expect to be pretty rusty in this AWs setup, as he's hardly played with this group in the national team. Plus because of the wet 09 weather there was only apparently one on grass session during the week, and he only came into the game when FDV got injured.

The real concern was the lack of fluidity in midfield. Thomas, Stamenic, Just, McCowatt etc have had a number of games together now. Especially the latter 3. But they were all decidedly average, and pretty passive. That's the worry and it needs to be so much better tomorrow night.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

I'm still trying to figure just what it is that Eli Just offers? Form for Motherwell?? Really? In most All White Games I've seen him play in, I wondered how he even got picked for the squad.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

LG wrote:
I'm still trying to figure just what it is that Eli Just offers? Form for Motherwell?? Really? In most All White Games I've seen him play in, I wondered how he even got picked for the squad.

Really? The guy is reportedly on the radar of Celtic & Rangers.

Think back to the Ivory Coast game last year, when the AWs win the ball in midfield (Bell?) then Stamenic plays a lovely ball through to Just who puts it away nicely. NZ win 1-0, for a very rare win over a top 50 (if below full strength) opponent.

It's those type of quick rapid counters that suit Just. There was virtually none of that Friday night. I remember one when Bayliss came on. But otherwise it was all very slow and laboured.

Motherwell's coach has set up a system that very much suits Just. Lots of fast triangles around the penalty box.

The AWs midfield/attack needs to play a shit load better to try replicate that. Bell coming in will help, and also a lift in intensity and attitude. Eli playing on the left and speedy Old back to LB, might also be a combination worth exploring. Rufer in to move across and plug the space behind a charging Ben O??

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

LG wrote:
I'm still trying to figure just what it is that Eli Just offers? Form for Motherwell?? Really? In most All White Games I've seen him play in, I wondered how he even got picked for the squad.

Think you have to cut Just some slack, LG. He’s been omnipresent for the AWs.

This game lacked the creative force Singh has provided in the last couple of years and the drive forward and pace of ball movement Bell brings.

Just isn’t supposed to be them and it’s a bit unfair to ask him to be.

And tbf he’s been one of the best creative players in the SPL this last season.

And, true, no Libby or Garbs either.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 1 month ago

coochiee wrote:
Netzer wrote:
As I mentioned before -that's what you get with "jobs for the boys" like the coaches (HC not even been in charge at NL level and AC v;Readings,Elliot - for real) with no idea/man management and/or tactical knowledge at international level- no surprise- DB will select the same players (Just,Tuiloma,Mac Cowatt etc) for the WC but not performance based- not his fault to being completely out of his depth - NZF will never learn even with the best budget and squad ever available and an easy WC route and draw- for example like Australia appointed GH for the WC to have success
NZF couldn't afford the wages of Guus Hiddink's brother let alone GH himself.
Your comments make little sense. Who actually deserves to get into the AWs ahead of Just & McCowatt. Name them.

This was a really disappointing poor performance. The worse by this AWs team in some time. The Socceroos game at Mt Smart last year (3-1 loss) was a pretty flat game, but this was even poorer.

Those matches aside this team has been producing some promising performances against top 50 sides, the last 2-3 years. Really need to see a response against Chile.

As per others, Bell starting will be a big help. And I'm hopeful Paulsen will offer more than Crocs, esp re trying to play out from the back.

But come the WC we need nearly all of Libby, Boxy, Singh, Garbs plus Wood fit and ready to go, otherwise it could be bleak watching.

Coochiee- unfortunately you missing the point completely- there are plenty of international coaches (as same stated here before) around who would like to jump at the chance for a WC campaign and are affordable- point is that you would get an independent HC with no bias to the current squad and environment. DB have had no significant success even at youth (U17 and U20) and national level and is in the system for over 10 years with the majority of the current players. Cliché is – you doing the same over and over again don’t expect a different outcome. Create a definite playing style and play in form players like Randell, Bylass, Paulson and even Rogersen is better than MacCowett and Just who have had now years in the AW without performance.

BTW – who and when has the AC coached a men’s team?

So, if it’s not the playing group’s ability than it has to be the coaching staff?

Permalink

about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

Mate you have misspelt the pretty simple names of 5 of 6 players named above. It's pretty hard to take anything seriously you write after that lack of effort. Kudos for getting Eli's surname correct. It the same when I see folk type out Chris Woods.

It's laughable to say that Rogerson who's highest level in Europe was a middling club in Finland, is better than McCowatt. McC was voted player of the year at Silkeborg in 2025, and is being courted by Minnesota. LR has been a bit player this season in the ALM.

Crocombe (who yes had a poor game) only started ahead of Paulsen Friday night, as they are likely to get a game each this window.

You are basically throwing the toys out of the cot after one poor performance. The worst AWs game I'd say in 18 months (Mexico September 2024). That's after a minimal training period in the leadup with the wet in the 09. Yes understand same for the Finns. But lets see how NZ goes tomorrow night.

NZF went to the international coaching market, and pretty much it was last man standing Bazeley who got the job, ie no one else seriously applied who was in NZF's salary range. They would have like either Buckingham or Herdman, but they have moved on from a job like the AWs head gaffer role. Herdman less so as he's coaching Indonesia, but it's not uncommon for football crazy poorer nations to shell out big biscuits (way more than NZF want to pay) on football coaches. Peru a few years back were paying Gareca a reported $USD2M per year!

Again it's not really the Kiwi way to make a last minute coaching change before a major event. A new gaffer would have max 2-3 weeks with the squad before the Iran game, and likely would know very little about much of the squad. They could spend the whole first week just getting to know the players well, and earning their trust. A major risk that such a late change unsettles the squad, even if NZF managed to nab short term a highly credentialled Hiddink or whoever.

In some ways international coaching is just making sure the team has no divided cliques, the players get plenty of intel/analysis on their opponents, and the culture plus team spirit is good. Especially important for NZ which lets be honest has lower quality playing talent on average, than almost every other team at the WC. We just can't afford to have any major off field disharmony or distractions.

The coaching staff in FIFA windows get very little actual on grass training time with the players. Far far less than the players get in their club environments. To a degree you give the players a large degree of autonomy, and let them run things. Worked very well for 2010 group.

Permalink

about 1 month ago

Sorry for the misspelling but won't change the facts. The time window is the same for every National Team around the FIFA window and they all get plenty of analysis.- You are at participation, local level- but this is about performance and results (and revenue) at this level- this AW team needs to get out of their comfort zone- its not about disharmony or unsettling and/or player power- btw - DB was the last ,easiest and cheapest option at $250k pa- the risk is to continue like this and nothing ever will change in the future.

Permalink

Back to All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams Forum Home Back to top