They need a win to have a chance to go through the next round so will need to look for goals, and out of the 3 other teams in the comp, I think they are the weakest.
Even playing against 10 men they looked at best the equal of Venezula who up to the sending off looked the best team. Also IMO, based on the first game against us, their 38 who got the red card was there best player. Lightning quick and won the ball continuously.
Hopefully the coach backs the team to try and play - starts Sloane to give us a midfield option on the ball and goes out swinging.
Unfortunately back to the earlier day time KO, as per Venezuela. I think the later evening start time against the Germans helped us. Obviously still hot though with our boys taking on the fluids in any lengthy stopagge.
Awoke to watch cricket and realised it was on so tuned in at the 50 minute mark. Was very disappointed in what I saw. No phases, lots of wild hoofing down field and chase and hope, mostly going straight back to the Germans. Thought the Germans were quite greedy trying to score form long shots and not playing smart stuff in last 20 minutes, but when they did passed it around, they scored. Subs came on and added energy and a bit more to our game, but overall nothing suggested they will make the round of 16 if they keep at that way of playing. Hopefully they are learning from playing together and can lift for Mexico and play a more cohesive game.
As Enough Said commented, the football by us this tournament has been really poor to watch.
What makes this more frustrating (it has been nothing but long balls in the two games) is, I'm sure the coach is also employed by NZF to implement their playing philosophy across NZ.
Hard to take him seriously in that role, when he has clearly not taken on that philosophy with players under his charge.
In fairness to the coach (who hasnt inspired me at all with his chat and body language at this tournament) they have tried to play out of the back which hasnt always ben the case with NZ teams in the past. I think our midfield hasnt really done enough to get on the ball and play with confidence. You're only as good as the players you select/availiable. We get very isolated up front due to having to defend against top top sides and its hard to retain possession when teams have the ability to press you straight away. You can say we have been poor and you're probably right for mist of it but even the germans first half were struggling to get 3 passes together in the first half. We should be doing better for sure. But i dont think its been all doom and gloom.
Yeah you have to wonder how much the conditions come into play when considering the quality of football, as it's far lower than previous U17 WCs (taking into consideration the talent gap between squads). Temperature and humidity obviously, but the pitches have looked absolutely awful. Patchy grass being torn up and players slipping with zero contact many times
It hasn't been route one all the time, and against the Germans (I only saw the first half admittedly) they sometimes looked dangerous on the counter. I liked Ukich if yes his final pass/option taking was often poor. That will improve. Is Leuluai still getting to grips with the DM role, after playing most of his career as a CB.
But Supyk is clearly one of team's better players. He holds up the ball really well. So understandable he was often the direct outlet going forward. As mentioned by others the German kids are all at Bundesliga clubs. Day in day out training in high quality pro setups. Their midfielder Assan Ouedraogo has made 11 senior appearances for Schalke 04. Noah Darvich is at Barcelona.
Most of our boys have come from the NZ National League, and are on a huge learning curve. So yipe not all doom & gloom.
Hopefully Supyk gets some mins in the ALM before season end. Get the feeling Nix were going to sign Bidois, but then in pre season Supyk took them by surprise with how well he was progressing.
It hasn't been route one all the time, and against the Germans (I only saw the first half admittedly) they sometimes looked dangerous on the counter. I liked Ukich if yes his final pass/option taking was often poor. That will improve. Is Leuluai still getting to grips with the DM role, after playing most of his career as a CB.
But Supyk is clearly one of team's better players. He holds up the ball really well. So understandable he was often the direct outlet going forward. As mentioned by others the German kids are all at Bundesliga clubs. Day in day out training in high quality pro setups. Their midfielder Assan Ouedraogo has made 11 senior appearances for Schalke 04. Noah Darvich is at Barcelona.
Most of our boys have come from the NZ National League, and are on a huge learning curve. So yipe not all doom & gloom.
Hopefully Supyk gets some mins in the ALM before season end. Get the feeling Nix were going to sign Bidois, but then in pre season Supyk took them by surprise with how well he was progressing.
3 of the 4 3rd place spots are already out of our reach. We need to beat Mexico and hope that there is then a draw between South Korea & Burkina Faso (both of whom have a superior GD to us, meaning that a BF win would mean we would have needed to win by at least two goals and a Korea win would mean we would have needed to win by three goals).
Can't find updates anywhere to know how long the delay is for.
Haven't found any specific information for FIFA, but if it's anything like America, it's a 30 minute delay if there is a strike within an 8 mile radius (12-13kms) of the stadium, or there is audible thunder.
The 30 minutes starts again everytime a strike occurs within the radius thereafter. Funnily enough lightning can actually strike up to between 25-40kms from a thunderstorm as well, so there is always some risk even after a storm has passed - The more you know. 💫
Unbelievable ball there! (didn't see who played it) And so, so unlucky for Supyk. Did everything right there to dance around the keeper and then try slot it from an acute angle.
Brilliant defending from the covering Mexican defenders to clear it off the line.
Foord has made some good saves this tournament, but also a couple bad errors, that goal included.
But we were asking for it - tired legs maybe, but it all became long ball from us in that last 10 - even when we had easy possession available if we recycled the ball backwards.
I do question the coaching - but maybe it is the conditions?!
Foord has made some good saves this tournament, but also a couple bad errors, that goal included.
But we were asking for it - tired legs maybe, but it all became long ball from us in that last 10 - even when we had easy possession available if we recycled the ball backwards.
I do question the coaching - but maybe it is the conditions?!
Saw final 20 mins of first half. Soft goal to concede. Tired weak challenge from Mitchell, and then Foord should have done better. Just prior the goal I thought the team were starting look gassed, in what is obviously challenging humdity.
BS to say it's solely route one stuff. They are trying to play (mostly on the counter), but as the commentator said it oftens looks like Ukich, Watson & Supyk are strangers to each other. Usually a final pass to no one. Though Ukich made a nice interception & pass to create a late chance for Supyk. We lack a bit of speed, the Mexicans have oodles. 3 CBs doing a good job.