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.
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.