All Whites vs Ivory Coast | Sun 8th June | 11:00am (NZT) | BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)

Drogba guest appearance 2nd half?

I kinda hate to say, as I'm a fan of attacking football, but we have executed the game plan quite well. Keep the ball, defend, and get them on the counter. We have been lucky that CIV are really lacking composure in front of goal. 

But let's be honest. NZ is miles behind many footballing nations. We are slowly increasing our player base, we have 2 pro teams and will be going to the WC regularly from on. We can't expect to go and boss a stronger team from the get go.
I think this is all part of the journey we're on, and I for one am very excited to see how we'll go.

HattyCW

Drogba guest appearance 2nd half?

Nah, I'd rather Eugene Dadi came on and scored a bicycle kick against us to tie the game!

Usually I get frustrated watching Bell but think he is having a good game today. 

Hopefully Elliot on quickly for Billy Beefcake, Wood gets some decent minutes this second half and if we are still leading Rufer for Singh by 60 minutes to consolidate that midfield. 

Monto

Still not 100% convinced by Bell as our dm pivot. I think he somewhat lacks vision that you might get from Rufer instead. I think he plays us into a hole a little more than I'd like

I'm a big fan of Rufer for the nix but he always looks a step off the pace when coming into the AWs, probably makes me appreciate that Bell is actually a pretty solid player

I want to see Rufer and Elliot on and Tuiloma and Singh off

Edit: apologies, parroting others

I didn't know Benny Hill was in the stadium.

Crocombe has been really composed and making all the right decisions under pressure. Really hope he can sustain that in the second half. Same goes to Surman and Bindon who have had to do their best with an inexplicably absent right back for most of the half.

Great finish from Just. Hopefully a few scouts in decent leagues make a note of his name. The distribution from Stamenic for the goal was also great.

Admittedly I missed the first 18 minutes but I don’t think Tuiloma has been as bad as everyone is saying. Still the fitness looks like an issue.

Cacace is a joy to watch. He’s come so far since his Wellington days.

Loving our two CB’s.

Let’s push for a result!

HattyCW

I didn't know Benny Hill was in the stadium.

 cracked me up hearing that over the stadium PA while the broadcast is showing the highlights

he was dribbled through a handful of times. Gave me flashbacks to him letting the costa rican get past him to cross for their goal in qatar. He cannot defend. He is a capable ball player but zero defensive skills (other than heading)

edit: and again dribbled past with ease 1 minute into the second half

loyalgunner

Great finish from Just. Hopefully a few scouts in decent leagues make a note of his name. The distribution from Stamenic for the goal was also great.

Admittedly I missed the first 18 minutes but I don’t think Tuiloma has been as bad as everyone is saying. Still the fitness looks like an issue.

Cacace is a joy to watch. He’s come so far since his Wellington days.

Loving our two CB’s.

Let’s push for a result!

Is Tuiloma secretly swiss cheese? 

If Tuiloma starts the next game for any reason other than Bindon & Elliot being unfit to play then Baze doesn't know what he is doing

I have been disappointed with Ben Old. Looks a bit off the pace. Maybe still recovering from injury.

Monto

Is Tuiloma secretly swiss cheese? 

Tuiloma ate all the Swiss cheese.

Jeez these two young CBs of ours are a good sign for the next decade

Smeltz4PM

Jeez these two young CBs of ours are a good sign for the next decade

 playing so well, especially with bill on the field. Bindon is class

Smeltz4PM

Jeez these two young CBs of ours are a good sign for the next decade

The future for AWs CBs right here.

Surman is playing CB AND RB

Callan Elliot, Matt Sheridan and Ronan Wynne - the opportunity is there, time to step it up a level 

Tuiloma an "excellent game?"

"Bill Tuilomas coming off, he's had an excellent game"

What the fudge?

Monto

"Bill Tuilomas coming off, he's had an excellent game"

What the fudge?

Any appearance on the field is an excellent result for Billy T these days 

Glen Larmer "Bill Tuioloma has had an excellent game" 

HattyCW

Tuiloma an "excellent game?"

 Position - The Invisible Man

Friar Tuck

Monto

"Bill Tuilomas coming off, he's had an excellent game"

What the fudge?

Any appearance on the field is an excellent result for Billy T these days 

Fair. First cardio he's done all year 

Six current/former Nix heroes on at the moment

Jeez that was clutch from Surman.

Surman oh my goooood

Surman you beauty!

Surely Wrexham are after a Welsh Kiwi CB for their Championship campaign

Friar Tuck

Surely Wrexham are after a Welsh Kiwi CB for their Championship campaign

 If only, would add to the game against the Nix.

Buckle in team. Think we are in for a very squeaky bum time park the bus final 15 minutes.

I've seen enough - Finn Surman MotM. No further questions please. 

Without a word of a doubt he has put in a world class shift today against a pretty top quality side. 

He's been everywhere. He's been immense.

No professional team has delivered more All Whites than the Phoenix.  Well done us. 

imanixsupporter

Six current/former Nix heroes on at the moment

 

I missed the start, any reason given for Wood not starting?
doesnt look like he's gonna make an appearance today

theprof

I missed the start, any reason given for Wood not starting?
doesnt look like he's gonna make an appearance today

managing his work load after long season with Forest. 

Great jinx though bro, looks like he's coming on now 

Certainly showing he wont be long  in the MLS methinks. Bound to be some teams with eyes on him.

Here comes Woodsy!

theprof

I missed the start, any reason given for Wood not starting?
doesnt look like he's gonna make an appearance today

 Speaking of the Devil. he's on a management plan to protect him.