I didnt see the first 2 games so dont know what they were like in those games. Didnt think they were woeful in this game and there were certain things that I thought were very positive going forward. I thought the fact they tried to play their way out of trouble at the back is a sign that there is an attempt to at U17 level do the right things relative to the players development for the future. This age group for me is where the players are being encouraged to learn more than chase results. At U17 level especially for NZ results simply dont matter for a number of reasons. What we have to be doing is asking players to play in a manner which is beneficial to NZ when the players are older. Keeping possession under pressure and even in our own third is an important part of that process, players have to learn to operate under that type of pressure at this age so they can handle on the ball pressure when older even if they are making mistakes that cost the team, no point just clearing the ball at this level, that is a results fist need rather than a development first need.
From a playing style and tactical perspective I didnt see anything woeful and in terms of individuals didnt think they were anywhere near as bad as what i had read relative to the first 2 games (which didnt see). I do wonder if peoples expectations of NZ U17 teams are out of sync with the reality of the situations and the needs going forward.
Well said Alf, pretty much agree with much of this.
My opinion, which apparently upsets the locals normally, is:
Against Angola we didn't play particularly well for a variety of reasons and were largely pegged in our own half, but were unlucky not to get something from the game as there was what appeared to be a nailed on penalty turned away by VAR.
Against Brazil we started slowly, but grew into the game and began to dominate even before Brazil went down to 10. Still made errors of course but lads worked their socks off. Even though a 1 nil loss would have been a result that turned heads we felt we deserved at least a point. Unfortunately a couple of late lapses cost us an extra 2 goals.
Against Canada, well, you saw that, and what you say is correct; looking to play the right type of football. I would say some players didn't have a good game by their own standards, including my horse, but we rode our luck, worked really hard, created some chances, and fate gave a slight hint of a smile towards us for the first time.
So yes, I agree, expextations are unrealistic for a country with such a small football population. But I see we are moving in the right direction.