Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup finals are weekend of 6-7 September according to Capital Football - I imagine NZF had little to no choice for the international timing but still it's going to be a juggle to catch 'em all.
Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup finals are weekend of 6-7 September according to Capital Football - I imagine NZF had little to no choice for the international timing but still it's going to be a juggle to catch 'em all.
At least one Auckland team making each of the Finals would be rather useful for NZF. Could host them up there & have a 'Festival of Football', hoping to drag more neutrals along to the Finals.
We really need to prove ourselves in these two fixtures. The last three outings against Aus since the rivalry was renewed it's like we barely even turned up. I'm not sure we'll be able to trouble Australia or their fans to any more of their time if we roll over like we have in previous outings.ย
We really need to prove ourselves in these two fixtures. The last three outings against Aus since the rivalry was renewed it's like we barely even turned up. I'm not sure we'll be able to trouble Australia or their fans to any more of their time if we roll over like we have in previous outings.ย
The best 11 players we have are better than the best 11 players the Aussie's have right now - but we can come no where near matching them for depth. Will be good to see what we can do with a full strength team against them, coming relatively quickly after matches against two decent opponents.ย
We really need to prove ourselves in these two fixtures. The last three outings against Aus since the rivalry was renewed it's like we barely even turned up. I'm not sure we'll be able to trouble Australia or their fans to any more of their time if we roll over like we have in previous outings.ย
The best 11 players we have are better than the best 11 players the Aussie's have right now - but we can come no where near matching them for depth. Will be good to see what we can do with a full strength team against them, coming relatively quickly after matches against two decent opponents.ย
I think we have had this debate elsewhere. Yes the gap is closing but for now they still have a stronger starting 11. They wouldn't be FIFA ranked 60 places higher if not so.
Libby and Wood make a combined ANZAC starting 11. Boxall, Surman, Bindon, Bell and Stamenic are yes in the conversation.
Socceroos starting 11 against Saudi in their last match. Ryan (RC Lens) , Miller (Hibs), Geria (Albirex Niigata, Japan), Degenek (Topola, Serbia), Burgess (Ipswich), Behich (Melb City), O'Neil (New York City, MLS), Yazbek (Nashville SC, MLS), Metcalfe (FC St Pauli), Boyle (Hibs) & Duke (Machida Zelvia, Japan).
A team of mostly very experienced hardened old heads, who know how to win. All starting regularly for their clubs. An outfit in Poppa's mould.
They left a Serie A starting CB in young Circati (Parma) on the pine.
When young Yazbek was briefly at Viking, he was often keeping Bell on the bench.
They had quality players in Irvine (St Pauli), Souttar (Leicester/loan Sheffield U) and ex Bundesliga player Hrustic (Salernitana, Serie B) among others not available in June.
We have a team of 20-24 year olds who I think will peak in the 2030 WC cycle. They are a team of 28-32 year olds who have been there done that.
best I think you would do would have Bindon and one of our central midfielders in their team along with Libby and Wood.ย
Yeah now looking at their line-up, I have to agree. Thomas, if fit, I would have in the starting 11 but the majority of the combined best 11 would still be Australian.ย
Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup finals are weekend of 6-7 September according to Capital Football - I imagine NZF had little to no choice for the international timing but still it's going to be a juggle to catch 'em all.
Or they could put them outside of Auckland? Perhaps that's too radical though
Since COVID: Auckland - vs Australia 2022, vs China 2023, vs Malaysia 2024, vs Samoa 2024, vs New Caledonia 2025, vs Australia 2025 Wellington - vs China 2023, vs Fiji 2025 Hamilton - vs Vanuatu 2024
At least it is more of a contest on paper now. Surman may be a one season wonder in the MLS based on how well he is going and Bindon in my eyes will not get loaned out at Forest. Both would make the Aussie squad currently.
Bell, Stamenic and Thomas would make their squad as well - and Wood too. I'd also argue Paulsen would get in as the 2nd or 3rd keeper too.
IN terms of player quality our first 11 is not that far behind. Where they have the advantage is in their hard nosed belief that they will win. We have been pussies in the last few matches. They dominate us mentally. Its just our kiwi thing of being humble and nice. They turn up knowing they will win, we turn up hoping to win.
Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup finals are weekend of 6-7 September according to Capital Football - I imagine NZF had little to no choice for the international timing but still it's going to be a juggle to catch 'em all.
Or they could put them outside of Auckland? Perhaps that's too radical though
I was more thinking about the logistics for fans who want to attend the AW games but also one or both finals - e.g. if the Nix Reserves are out of the KSC by then I'll probably spend the weekend in Canberra to help justify the airfare before flying on to Auckland, but if they're in the final on Sunday 7th I'll have a dilemma on my hands.
Understandable to have the game in Auckland if there is only one NZ game in an international window. Logistically easier to get everyone there and then back to wherever they need to get back to.ย
I remember the last All Whites game at Mount Smart, the Port pointedly made zero effort to get behind the team. Total opposite approach to the Yellow Fever becoming White Noise during windows. Really disappointing honestly. Wonder if it will be any different this time. That was well into the A-League season, this time will be a month before it kicks off.
IN terms of player quality our first 11 is not that far behind. Where they have the advantage is in their hard nosed belief that they will win. We have been pussies in the last few matches. They dominate us mentally. Its just our kiwi thing of being humble and nice. They turn up knowing they will win, we turn up hoping to win.
Sick of this narrative that any footballing shortcoming can be traced back to kiwi humility. Never hurt us in any other sport. Chris Wood a living example that you can have full confidence in your abilities whilst remaining humble.
Not sure the Socceroos have a mental hold over the All Whites. Unlike say cricket we don't play them enough for there to really be one. Though I'm sure there are always mental barriers to try overcome, when the AWs play any team in say the top 30 FIFA rankings.
But with their greater depth they can just select in form, highly experienced tough players. 32 year old Martin Boyle has 10 years in the SPL (plus a short spell in Saudi). He's seen it all. Compared to him Eli Just looks like he should still be at school, and gets bumped off easily in contact. Sarpreet has grown some facial hair but that ain't fooling anyone.
McCowatt was quoted in an article before the June games, that it's often the toughest challenge as a young Kiwi heading north. The need to develop that mental toughness. You can have similar good technical skills but the mental part of the game is a giant leap. We are yes a bit too nice.
This AWs squad is a mostly young group, so the headspace stuff will only improve. I reckon you can see real growth there now with Joe Bell. Confidence and a bit more in your face niggle in June.
Bazeley is talking about rivalry & edge for these September games. If the teams are full strength, I think that's what we want to see from the AWs (compared to those 3 dud games 2022 & 2023) - greater self belief, and not backing down.
Edit - someone above said Surman & Bindon make a Socceroos squad. That's no guarantee. They had a Serie A CB in Circati (yes not long returned frm an ACL) on the bench against Saudi. The 3 old heads Burgess, Geria & Degenek all started. Degenek has played Bundesliga 2, J League, MLS plus years at Red Star Belgrade.ย
They left Kyle Rowles who like Surman is a MLS starting CB, on the pine with Circati. They had Souttar who's a Championship/EPL player unavailable. Yeah sure the AWs have lots of young highly promising kids coming through. But have a close look at who Australia actually have as well.
Chat was this wasn't their strongest team yeah. Seemingly lots of them making food moves young to England recently too. I like to think some higher ceilings with players like Bindon, Paulsen, and the younger kids coming through Phoenix, the recent U16 and U20s.
Ryan Thomas and Ben Old would help and then it's only Right Back not European based and regularly playingcoochiee
djtim3000
Rock Hopper
We really need to prove ourselves in these two fixtures. The last three outings against Aus since the rivalry was renewed it's like we barely even turned up. I'm not sure we'll be able to trouble Australia or their fans to any more of their time if we roll over like we have in previous outings.ย
The best 11 players we have are better than the best 11 players the Aussie's have right now - but we can come no where near matching them for depth. Will be good to see what we can do with a full strength team against them, coming relatively quickly after matches against two decent opponents.ย
I think we have had this debate elsewhere. Yes the gap is closing but for now they still have a stronger starting 11. They wouldn't be FIFA ranked 60 places higher if not so.
Libby and Wood make a combined ANZAC starting 11. Boxall, Surman, Bindon, Bell and Stamenic are yes in the conversation.
Socceroos starting 11 against Saudi in their last match. Ryan (RC Lens) , Miller (Hibs), Geria (Albirex Niigata, Japan), Degenek (Topola, Serbia), Burgess (Ipswich), Behich (Melb City), O'Neil (New York City, MLS), Yazbek (Nashville SC, MLS), Metcalfe (FC St Pauli), Boyle (Hibs) & Duke (Machida Zelvia, Japan).
A team of mostly very experienced hardened old heads, who know how to win. All starting regularly for their clubs. An outfit in Poppa's mould.
They left a Serie A starting CB in young Circati (Parma) on the pine.
When young Yazbek was briefly at Viking, he was often keeping Bell on the bench.
They had quality players in Irvine (St Pauli), Souttar (Leicester/loan Sheffield U) and ex Bundesliga player Hrustic (Salernitana, Serie B) among others not available in June.
We have a team of 20-24 year olds who I think will peak in the 2030 WC cycle. They are a team of 28-32 year olds who have been there done that.
ย
Supporting the supporters and love an away day anywhere in the world. Kiwis Can Fly!
Yeah yeah yeah.ย Ladidadidaโฆitโs football mate. ย They lost to bloody Bahrain this time last year. ย Letโs do them for once.
Yipe and Arnold re-signs, Poppa takes over and the Socceroos are now unbeaten in 8 competitive games. Including away to Japan and Saudi.ย
For sure the AWs are on the right track, and they could get a result in either game in September. The June matches in Toronto shows that's undoubtedly possible.
Just bringing a touch of realism to the quality of players they have. After the last 3 toothless games against them, scoring a goal would be a step forward in itself.
They've been very flukey.ย Time to do them.ย Nice Woodsie header from 12-15 yards out please.ย Just like this one.coochiee
Banzai!...AIEEE!!!
Yeah yeah yeah.ย Ladidadidaโฆitโs football mate. ย They lost to bloody Bahrain this time last year. ย Letโs do them for once.
Yipe and Arnold re-signs, Poppa takes over and the Socceroos are now unbeaten in 8 competitive games. Including away to Japan and Saudi.ย
For sure the AWs are on the right track, and they could get a result in either game in September. The June matches in Toronto shows that's undoubtedly possible.
Just bringing a touch of realism to the quality of players they have. After the last 3 toothless games against them, scoring a goal would be a step forward in itself.
Just saw in my email that tickets for the Canberra game went on pre-sale today:
Tickets to the match will go on pre-sale with a 5% discount for Football Account holders today, Tuesday, 24 June at 10:00am AEST.
The general public sale period will begin on Wednesday, 25 June from 4:00pm AEST.
Edit: Got my ticket in the Away Active Support zone (bay 77, equivalent to where the Port hang out at Mount Smart), A$49.50 including Ticketek Tax - can't see an obvious pax number on the ticket unfortunately.
We should be playing 2 games every year against them. Beats tough games against other Oceania sides.
This is impossible. They have just gone 2 years playing solely AFC teams. Asian Cup qualifiers, the Asian Cup itself and then AFC World Cup qualifiers. That's their regular busy diet being in AFC on a 4 yearly WC cycle.
Now like us they want to play bigger teams to get ready for the World Cup. I'm guessing the only reason Football Australia have agreed to these 2 AWs games, is for this Sept window there was a lack of quality alternatives.ย
That and yeah hopefully some Aussie recognition the AWs results the last year or so, show we will give Poppa's Socceroos a proper workout this time.
It would serve no real purpose and probably lose money. The ALM clubs and coaches highly likely dead against it
Even the NRL canโt organise a regular ANZAC Kangaroos v Kiwis test match. And their code has all the best players down under
A Nix and Auckland double header against 2 Aussie clubs at one venue, on a rotation basis an alternative idea
The NRL has a traditional Anzac match between Roosters and St George Illawara Dragons every year for the Anzac Day Cup - that's probably why they don't bother with a Kangaroos vs Kiwis Anzac match
I contacted the nice people at NZF after not getting the presale link and they promptly sent it through, so if anyone else missed out on the email feel free to DM me and I can share it (probably not until after work though, so might be quicker to mail NZF directly if youโre worried about waiting - the link is valid until 8:30 Friday morning then public sale opens at 9:00).
