Back to Forum

All Whites vs Iran | Tues 16th June | 1:00pm (NZT) | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

359 replies · 13,800 views

about 20 hours ago

In my wildest dreams I never expected to walk away from that game gutted to have a 2 all draw.

But the team played so well that I am gutted we didnt take the win.

What a game!

Permalink

Endorsed by

FU+3

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

Yes absolutely gutted. A what could've been up there with Italy.

But well fucking done to the boys.

Some here need to reset their expectations of the team and the manager. A single goal is a massive over performance for us. Getting two is huge. Getting a point is absolutely awesome. Just enjoy the rest of the world cup now and hopefully we can steal something.

Permalink

Endorsed by

duFU+5

about 20 hours ago

I think Garbett is quite a big miss really, probably the best crosser of the ball we have - but it is what it is. We're lucky to have Wood and Singh fit.

I think if we were to be critical, Boxall and Crocombe were the most off the pace - but they grew into the game.

I don't think we. as a minnow nation, can ever turn our nose up at a point in the WC. Iran are a good side, and we made them scared. This is the first time I've seen us *attack* effectively at a world cup, and that's quite incredible.

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

That passing sequence and finish for Just's second goal would have to be one of the best pieces of attack I've ever seen from an AWs team in the 40+ years I can remember.

Permalink

Endorsed by

djFU+11

about 20 hours ago

Mainland FC wrote:
valeo wrote:
Should've won, was our best chance to win a game in World Cup history.

However - we're the lowest ranked team at the WC against one of the heavyweights in Asia. The boys should be incredibly proud of what they did today. Everyone played well.

"Should have won" is what both us and Iranians are saying. I think it was a good game and i am very proud of our boys.
Inasmuch as I would love us to win, the classy skills of the Iranians and ball awareness was there to see, reminding us they are some 60 places above us in FIFA rankings. Unfortunately their attempts to cream any minor foul marred their scoredcard - it was just ugly; luckily with the Italian referee (who has seen it all before) they did not get away with that. The AWs played their usual honest game, and I was very impressed with Just and with Bell in the midfield.
I was critical of Bazeley's quality as a coach, and am happy to say he set up the team to play aggressively and not park the bus.
If I were critical I would say Boxall cost us two goals. But it never is just one player, so hard to single him out alone.
Shame about Garbett. Hopefully Rogerson will arrive in USA soon, but goodness he will have little time to acclimatise.

Fair point, but Iran were never leading the game at any stage - we were. Should've won that. Don't get me wrong, I'm immensely proud, but going ahead twice we should have killed it off.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

Khalil Media wrote:
That passing sequence and finish for Just's second goal would have to be one of the best pieces of attack I've ever seen from an AWs team in the 40+ years I can remember.

We had a few of these that didnt result in goals too - credit to Singh, he played the link man very well quite a few times.

Was also quite impressed with Bell who did a lot of the hard work

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

djtim3000 wrote:
Mainland FC wrote:
valeo wrote:
Should've won, was our best chance to win a game in World Cup history.

However - we're the lowest ranked team at the WC against one of the heavyweights in Asia. The boys should be incredibly proud of what they did today. Everyone played well.

"Should have won" is what both us and Iranians are saying. I think it was a good game and i am very proud of our boys.
Inasmuch as I would love us to win, the classy skills of the Iranians and ball awareness was there to see, reminding us they are some 60 places above us in FIFA rankings. Unfortunately their attempts to cream any minor foul marred their scoredcard - it was just ugly; luckily with the Italian referee (who has seen it all before) they did not get away with that. The AWs played their usual honest game, and I was very impressed with Just and with Bell in the midfield.
I was critical of Bazeley's quality as a coach, and am happy to say he set up the team to play aggressively and not park the bus.
If I were critical I would say Boxall cost us two goals. But it never is just one player, so hard to single him out alone.
Shame about Garbett. Hopefully Rogerson will arrive in USA soon, but goodness he will have little time to acclimatise.
Fair point, but Iran were never leading the game at any stage - we were. Should've won that. Don't get me wrong, I'm immensely proud, but going ahead twice we should have killed it off.

I think we leaned into going for it as our defensive quality is not what it used to be - we can't dig in and defend a lead, we don't have that kind of team anymore

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

After seeing that, we can defo get something against Egypt if our defence is good too.

People complain about a 48 team cup but two performances today has negated that debate too.

Bit gutted but 2-2 is probably fair when all is said and done (especially against a top 25 team).

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

On that result we move up 3 places in the rankings to 82nd well Iran drop 3 places…… almost cracking top 80 in the world

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

Nelfoos wrote:
Surely Bindon over Elliot now?

I take back some of my criticism of Elliot. Defensively very sound verus a rapid opponent.

NZ still unbeaten in 44 years at WCs.

Toe for toe stuff. Good on Bazeley for leaving it very late before bringing on the 3rd CB.

I'd keep the same starting 11 for the next match. Thomas for McCowatt maybe the only change. Singh gets beaten up physically but still has those touches of class we otherwise lack.

Permalink

Endorsed by

FUmj

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

Elliot did well when he came on

The 2nd goal was unfortunately down to Libby for some reason tracking the inside man and not the winger, no idea why he was doing that

Id be tempted to play Bindon instead of Boxall tbh, Boxall seemed all at sea when the play sped up and it's going to get a lot quicker v Egypt

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

duFU

mj+1

about 20 hours ago

I thought McCowatt was huge for us. Easily his best game for NZ. He dropped deep to get the ball, found pockets and gave us good energy on D.

Boxall was off. Poor against England and now Iran. Give Bindon a start.

Singh was ok, but got tired and started losing possession too much. Needed to come off earlier for Randell.

Felt like we played for the point when we to a bac 5, which was disappointing.

Wood was very good and Just excellent. I didnt think he deserved to start... ineffectual in the warm ups, but he proved me wrong. His first goal was class.

2-2 is a good result, being disappointed to draw... a great feeling!

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

coochiee wrote:
Nelfoos wrote:
Surely Bindon over Elliot now?
I take back some of my criticism of Elliot. Defensively very sound verus a rapid opponent.

NZ still unbeaten in 34 years at WCs.

Toe for toe stuff. Good on Bazeley for leaving it very late before bringing on the 3rd CB.

I'd keep the same starting 11 for the next match. Thomas for McCowatt maybe the only change. Singh gets beaten up physically but still has those touches of class we otherwise lack.

I was nervous, but he matched up well. Doesnt mean I enjoyed the late corners though!

Bindon very good in his own cameo, certainly worth considering him over Boxall for Egypt but hard to make too many changes with that performance and result.

McCowatt did enough to earn another start imo, but bring Thomas for Singh earlier on once he starts to drift out of the game like he did today.

Valley FC til I die?

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

MetalLegNZ wrote:
I thought McCowatt was huge for us. Easily his best game for NZ. He dropped deep to get the ball, found pockets and gave us good energy on D.

Boxall was off. Poor against England and now Iran. Give Bindon a start.

Singh was ok, but got tired and started losing possession too much. Needed to come off earlier for Randell.

Felt like we played for the point when we to a bac 5, which was disappointing.

Wood was very good and Just excellent. I didnt think he deserved to start... ineffectual in the warm ups, but he proved me wrong. His first goal was class.

2-2 is a good result, being disappointed to draw... a great feeling!

Randall is one guy I dont rate at all and probably shouldn't be getting any minutes - I think that Singh performance has been vastly underrated,he did very well after a poor first 15 ish

I thought Thomas was off the pace when he came on too but not surprising really

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

MetalLegNZ wrote:
I thought McCowatt was huge for us. Easily his best game for NZ. He dropped deep to get the ball, found pockets and gave us good energy on D.

Boxall was off. Poor against England and now Iran. Give Bindon a start.

Singh was ok, but got tired and started losing possession too much. Needed to come off earlier for Randell.

Felt like we played for the point when we to a bac 5, which was disappointing.

Wood was very good and Just excellent. I didnt think he deserved to start... ineffectual in the warm ups, but he proved me wrong. His first goal was class.

2-2 is a good result, being disappointed to draw... a great feeling!

Agree McCowatt was very good, not particularly flashy but was all over the park with a lot of energy. Singh lost a lot of 50/50's but was had the second assist for both goals - we really need him to get his mojo back, looks like it could be getting there.

The Just / Wood combination must have been worked on in training and kept in our locker for the actual WC cos we didn't use either of them very well in the warm-ups.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago · edited about 20 hours ago · History

The biggest advantage we have is that we have a bunch of fast guys to play off Chris Wood who have boundless energy - we've really leaned into that which is probably the first for an NZ side

Not dissimilar to what the Aussies are doing with Irankunda and Toure, they just dont have a Wood

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 20 hours ago

Oh and the way the Iranian defenders stood off Wood was almost weird. That first goal there were like 3 defenders all around, but no one actually on Wood.

The big guy had all the time he needed to take the ball down, consider his options and feed Singh. Was poor defending that I think Egypt & Belgium won't repeat.

Permalink

Endorsed by

duFU

about 20 hours ago · edited about 19 hours ago · History

coochiee wrote:
Oh and the way the Iranian defenders stood off Wood was almost weird. That first goal there were like 3 defenders all around, but no one actually on Wood.

The big guy had all the time he needed to take the ball down, consider his options and feed Singh. Was poor defending that I think Egypt & Belgium won't repeat.

It seems like they were specifically told to not let him get flick ons in behind, but they forgot to pressure him afterwards

Egypt aren't amazing defensively either, but they have attackers who can punish us far better than Iran. I think we play in a similar way. We need better crosses to Woods head though

a.haak

Permalink

Endorsed by

djFU

about 19 hours ago

Yes the next two will have learned a lot from watching our game

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago · edited about 19 hours ago · History

The freedom Wood had to bring down the ball for that first goal defied belief. All great touches, but they gave him time to take 3 of them to get it down and move it on. Could see they were giving him less time later on but just shows what deftness the big man is capable of given the opportunity.

Valley FC til I die?

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago

coochiee wrote:
Oh and the way the Iranian defenders stood off Wood was almost weird. That first goal there were like 3 defenders all around, but no one actually on Wood.

The big guy had all the time he needed to take the ball down, consider his options and feed Singh. Was poor defending that I think Egypt & Belgium won't repeat.

It was a bit weird, but maybe the tactic was to stop the second phase play with our fast guys running through the space created by their defense staying close to Wood. It didn't work though and they noticeably closed down his space as the game went on - Wood still seemed too big, too strong most of the time though - was was certainly up for it.

Permalink

about 19 hours ago

Nelfoos wrote:
The freedom Wood had to bring down the ball for that first goal defied belief. All great touches, but they gave him time to take 3 of them to get it down and move it on. Could see they were giving him less time later on but just shows what deftness the big man is capable of given the opportunity.

I really hope he scores at this WC. If he doesn't he will like a pebble in his shoe once that great career is over.

I think it definitely played a part in him as captain choosing to take that free kick, when there are other better dead ball takers.

Permalink

Endorsed by

duFU

about 19 hours ago · edited about 19 hours ago · History

Khalil Media wrote:
That passing sequence and finish for Just's second goal would have to be one of the best pieces of attack I've ever seen from an AWs team in the 40+ years I can remember.

It was a lovely goal. What would 2010 Rory and his elbows make of it all.

We have 2010 Nellie today, and we win that game.

We will be better defensively in 2030.

https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/2066708326826516733https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/2066708326826516733

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago

most likely the same 11 for the next game as a guess, people wanting kosta to start really don't have a clue...

Permalink

about 19 hours ago

20 Legend wrote:
Yes absolutely gutted. A what could've been up there with Italy.

But well fucking done to the boys.

Some here need to reset their expectations of the team and the manager. A single goal is a massive over performance for us. Getting two is huge. Getting a point is absolutely awesome. Just enjoy the rest of the world cup now and hopefully we can steal something.

There was a lot of classic New Zealand pessimism right before the game, underestimating the level we're at.

"we'll only get 2 or 3 chances in the game", "we'll have almost no possession" like these were given facts.

I think in reality no one really has known what this team are capable of in a competitive match because we've had none! But the players all know what they're capable of and most play at a internationally competitive level, I don't think they'll see this as a massive over performance at all. I'd expect we'll have a similarly competitive game against Egypt and then who knows.

Will definitely be enjoying the rest of the world cup whatever happens from here though, proud of that performance.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago · edited about 18 hours ago · History

Just keeps it up, it won’t just be Celtic and Rangers wanting his services.

Can’t not credit Woodsy.

Permalink

Endorsed by

duFU

about 19 hours ago

credit to the Iranis also.. a brutal buildup, the last minute relocation to Mexico, their supporting staff couldnt get visas into the USA and so on... they contributed to the contest, lets see how they do in other two games

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago

So rapt we had a go, didn't try and defend the 2-1 lead which is impossible at this level against anyone.

Iran are a really good side, as Belgium and Eygpt will probably find out.

Real proud. All those Kiwi kids watching back home - inspirational.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago

Decent performance and well deserving of at least a point.

Pleasing to see the football we tried to play and the chances we were creating.

Only saw parts of Belgium-Egypt this morning while at work but no reason why we can't gain confidence from this and take it either of them.

Three for me, and two for them.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 19 hours ago · edited about 18 hours ago · History

Great performance with eight shots on target. Wasn’t expecting that kind of output. We also shaded the possession and passing accuracy.

Bell, Marko, great in midfield.

Singh, I admit proved me wrong. Had a great game before he tired.

Front, starting three, Wood, Just and McCowatt, were impressive.

The defence was giving me kittens at times, well when I say defence, I mean Payne, Max, Boxall and Libby. Surman was mighty however.

Thought Elliot shored up the right side when he came on.

While we all wanted a win, the great thing is the draw keeps us in the World Cup to the end.

Just need to somehow get the elusive win. That will require a clean sheet.

It will take a brave coach to make changes, but believe Bindon needs to come in for Boxall, who will struggle against Salah and Mamoush.

Just and Surman, will have clubs watching them closely.

Auckland will rise once more

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago

Let’s not kid ourselves though- this was one of our best performances ever.

Our pessimism was based on Finland, Greece, Australia and periods of play other opponents where we made mistakes and allowed soft goals. I think McCowatt’s experience helped us there. We scored early and shortly after halftime rather than conceding.

We’ve pressured and had good spells against opponents before, but failed to score or create chances.

We’ve scored from a lot of corners and set pieces and rarely from open play.

I think having Libby, Woodsie, Bell and Just all starting hasn’t happened often.

I could see it in the huddle before the game with Wood speaking: we were together and focused. We were up for it.

I hope the step up stays! I rather enjoyed today. We now have to prove we belong here.

Permalink

Endorsed by

FU+1

about 18 hours ago

coochiee wrote:
Nelfoos wrote:
The freedom Wood had to bring down the ball for that first goal defied belief. All great touches, but they gave him time to take 3 of them to get it down and move it on. Could see they were giving him less time later on but just shows what deftness the big man is capable of given the opportunity.
I really hope he scores at this WC. If he doesn't he will like a pebble in his shoe once that great career is over.

I think it definitely played a part in him as captain choosing to take that free kick, when there are other better dead ball takers.

Wood has stated previously he wants to keep going till the 2030 WC ^^

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago

Dave Dobbyn was our goal song by the way. Cool ^^

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago

Honestly I'm not that mad about the result. I think we should've won that 2-1 but I really felt we looked good out there and like we belonged to be here. I was worried that with us having a significantly easier route to the WC that we would arrive not being ready, but we didn't look out of place. If I could levy one issue I had though it was that Singh and McCowatt should've been subbed off sooner, especially Singh. This is the world Cup and he's leaving with a 2.7 rating, that's just unacceptable and if he can't play to a certain standard then others need to be brought on. I know he can perform magic sometimes, but we don't want a player who could maybe do magic, we need someone will perform magic or at least play well.

Moaning aside I'm very excited for our upcoming games now. An upset here would be absolutely massive

Permalink

about 18 hours ago · edited about 18 hours ago · History

Yes, he should have been subbed earlier and it would have been nice for Baz to be more attacking with Bayliss instead of Thomas who apart from the defensive header looked out of sorts.

But really harsh on Singh, that post. He was good before he tired and was very instrumental in the first goal.

Add at least 4 to your 2.7 rating. Wherever that rating came from?

Auckland will rise once more

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago · edited about 18 hours ago · History

Singh was one of our better players til he faded. Bazeley left him on too long but a 2.7 rating is out of touch with reality. Involved in both goals, created other chances and put himself about better in midfield than he has recently. I wouldn't call it magic, but he more than did his job.

If he keeps up this showing the Nix wont be able to get him on the cheap.

Valley FC til I die?

Permalink

Endorsed by

FU+7

about 18 hours ago

Singh added a level of calmness on the ball, especially in the second half, until he was very tired late in the same.

We need to value this sort of contribution more.

Permalink

Endorsed by

brFU

about 18 hours ago

The other awesome thing was that players who’ve been very good in the last twelve months- I’m going to say Randall and Boxall, Woodsy in front of goal compared to his 20 goal season- could come back into form for us potentially during the tournament. Or McCowatt could find his club scoring touch for country. Just’s second is the exact kind of goal Callum gets a lot of in Scandinavia. Libby and Old can be even more dynamic. Bell wasn’t involved in the scoring today. Stamenic grew into the game, but also has a pair of shooting boots and a record of headed goals, and Bindon has the latter as well.
Payne’s crossing was a little off, on occasion. Thomas showed some class, but was off the pace a little too.

I think we out performed expectations, but a lot of the players we saw have higher ceilings and as a group I think we can play better and more consistently than we’ve seen today. God I hope we do!

But also have to be wary- I think we will get pressed hard on defense from now on and Woodsy will never again get as much time on the ball as he did for the first goal!

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago

Nelfoos wrote:
Singh was one of our better players til he faded. Bazeley left him on too long but a 2.7 rating is out of touch with reality. Involved in both goals, created other chances and put himself about better in midfield than he has recently. I wouldn't call it magic, but he more than did his job.

If he keeps up this showing the Nix wont be able to get him on the cheap.

Agreed that maybe a fresh pair of legs a bit earlier for Singh might have helped - but that is hard to judge now.

Permalink

Endorsed by

about 18 hours ago

Oi Oi Edgecumbe wrote:
Yes the next two will have learned a lot from watching our game

A possible positive is that after watching us produce so many good goal scoring chances Egypt may feel they need to play a tad more conservatively than they otherwise might've. Don't think Belgium will be concerned though.

The way the comp is set up even just nicking a point off Egypt would give us a chance of sneaking through to the knockouts. But we need to improve a lot in the defensive third.

Permalink

Endorsed by

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