I would definitely rather be a NZ fan than a Zambian fan in that game. Zambia short passing and possession was terrible. NZ was in complete control. Any opposition player with excellent pace or athletisim is always going to cause worries on counter attacks or goals against the flow for NZ. Other than that NZ was in complete control.
I am happy with the direction of the new coach. I really believe that if Hannah Wilkinson was not playing or starting against Philippines, we would have found a win in that game. However, in this game if Wilkinson was playing I feel like we would have got a goal from set plays, high balls or off the back of her holding the ball up front. Not saying bring her back just saying my opinion for this game. Clegg right now is a good sub to bring on up front with her energy and getting in the right position. Her final touches/decisions still need to develop and then she will be awesome for NZ. Once Jale is back, she will be the starter up front. Also, believe we would have won if she was able to start and definitely would have her ahead of the left out Wilkinson. The final third attacking needs work in general. Way too many long balls through for sprint races against faster defenders. Need to keep passing and moving in that last third and be creative in finding a way to get forward momentum shots off on the edge or outside the box. Fraser will fix some of those problems. So fingers crossed Fraser and Jale are available to start in all games at the Olympics. Looking forward to it regardless of results. We are definitely building momentum now with the choice of players we have who are going to stronger clubs.
I am happy with the direction of the new coach. I really believe that if Hannah Wilkinson was not playing or starting against Philippines, we would have found a win in that game. However, in this game if Wilkinson was playing I feel like we would have got a goal from set plays, high balls or off the back of her holding the ball up front. Not saying bring her back just saying my opinion for this game. Clegg right now is a good sub to bring on up front with her energy and getting in the right position. Her final touches/decisions still need to develop and then she will be awesome for NZ. Once Jale is back, she will be the starter up front. Also, believe we would have won if she was able to start and definitely would have her ahead of the left out Wilkinson. The final third attacking needs work in general. Way too many long balls through for sprint races against faster defenders. Need to keep passing and moving in that last third and be creative in finding a way to get forward momentum shots off on the edge or outside the box. Fraser will fix some of those problems. So fingers crossed Fraser and Jale are available to start in all games at the Olympics. Looking forward to it regardless of results. We are definitely building momentum now with the choice of players we have who are going to stronger clubs.