There has been much gnashing of teeth and knee jerk reaction to the whole Confeds Cup experience. The other sidebar to all of the debate that most have missed is the two world cup qualfiiers looming rather large in Oct/Nov. I feel sure we would have approached this tournament differently were it not for these games and the need to give a likely starting XI time together and experience under pressure. Here are my thoughts for what they are worth:
Mulligan v Scott - Herbert wanted to pick Scott for the Sth Africa game but his knee ruled him out, as it did for the final moments of the Iraq game. Scott has moved ahead of Mulligan at right back.
Brown in midfield - lacking in my view but always a favourite of Herbert, not sure why. A poor man's Ray Wilkins - can only pass square or to the opposition strikers. Scowls a lot but far from intimidating
Nelsen's return - this should allow for a central defensive pairing with Sigmund. Maybe then open the door for Vicelich to move into a holding midfield role (assuming he stays on). Or Sigmund and Scott as full backs. OR........ could Nelsen operate in a destroying role in midfield as well as getting forward?
Lochhead - as bad as Mulligan in my view. Not the same player since the failed Middlesbrough trip See earlier comment for replacement.
Elliott - player of the tournament for us alongside Moss. But needs an attacking option playing next to him, NOT Brown and Christie
Mulligan - exposed for pace and fitness and positioning at fullback. Get him in a midfield role where he runs his arse off, harries and chases, picks up the pieces and works like buggery - AKA Keith Mackay
Christie - on borrowed time, hard to believe he was called upon as a regular sub. My mail has him leaving the Phoenix, let alone the All Whites. Good hard working grafter but otherwise out of his depth.
Brockie - not sure, saw glimpses of promise but still not sure
Smeltz and Killen - both good players, will improve for the time together. Killy needs to play, sign him up for the Phoenix
Chris James - i have never seen this guy play outstandingly. Picked on the back of playing for Fulham reserves but what has he done?
Future (WC Play Offs):
Paston
Sigmund, Nelsen, Vicelich, Scott (or play Lochhead and move Vicelich into midfield)
Bertos, Elliott, Smeltz, Mulligan (maybe but i am struggling for options here, Barron??)
Fallon, Killen
Look to get Fallon in the mix and play him up front with Killen. Drop Smeltz into an attacking midfield role in front of Elliott and Mulligan/Vicelich and encourage him to get forward. Play two holding midfielders alongside with Bertos as your wide option to get ball into Fallon and Killen. Alternatively bomb the middle of the park and get Smeltz running off the two big men.
Potentially we have a side with the following 'big' men: Nelsen, Vicelich, Elliott, Killen, Smeltz, Fallon, Sigmund (plays like one). Let's play to this strength and bully the sh*t out of Saudi or Bahrain while not totally giving up on playing some football. You have enough ability to control and pass in this group as well to do something on the deck if required.
As for Herbert, Ricki needs to concentrate more on the job in hand and less on responding to the media or criticism. Each time they play well the first thing you hear is usually 'that will show the critics'. No, what will show the critics is playing well consistently and not turning out the kind of performances we saw against Spain and Sth Africa that lead to justifiable criticism.
As for the celebrations, Ricki is well aware of the history of the game in this country, he and Brian are very proud NZers. Their reaction was to finally getting the monkey off our backs of 'not ever winning a point in a FIFA competition'. I'm prepared to cut some slack and celebrate with them on this occasion.
you must be joking