Happy enough with how we played, except we were very negative after the equaliser.
A big improvement on how Baze's u20s looked last time.
Egypt becomes absolutely must win now.
Classic NZ we're always happy with how we played when we LOSE!
I'm fudgeing disappointed in how we played because through lax defending and idealistic playing out from the back we conceded two utterly unnecessary goals
i mean i agree, very disappointed in the soft goals conceded, but I didnt think there was going to be a shortage of people expressing this.LT01
imanixsupporter
Happy enough with how we played, except we were very negative after the equaliser.
A big improvement on how Baze's u20s looked last time.
Egypt becomes absolutely must win now.
Classic NZ we're always happy with how we played when we LOSE!
I'm fudgeing disappointed in how we played because through lax defending and idealistic playing out from the back we conceded two utterly unnecessary goals
Ukich was good early on? I only saw the moments when he ran out of steam.
Interesting the impact Walker made v Sloane-Rodrigues.
Thought the Phoenix players looked very creditable indeed in the bits I saw (missing Gillion’s mistake!). Surely you can see right there the value that the Phoenix academy could bring to any OFC competition? 🤦♂️ They were talking about a Chilean player who had been at Barcelona’s academy.
Anyway, no need for me to open that vault of opinion!!
Just well done the young AWs and the Nix players amongst them. Good to see Walker back and hungry.
Walker is brilliant, from the games I've seen him play and today he's got the pace and build of Jamie Vardy - maybe he knocks back a few red bulls too 🤣
Happy enough with how we played, except we were very negative after the equaliser.
A big improvement on how Baze's u20s looked last time.
Egypt becomes absolutely must win now.
Classic NZ we're always happy with how we played when we LOSE!
I'm fudgeing disappointed in how we played because through lax defending and idealistic playing out from the back we conceded two utterly unnecessary goals
Thought we played very well against a quality and heavily favoured side who had 45,000 at their backs.
Absolutely gutted at two errors that gifted them the game. Really didn't think they created a hell of a lot that challenged us otherwise - They had chances, but hardly anything that cut us to ribbons.
Very pleased that we offered some threat going forward too - Usually its just backs to the wall stuff from us against the stronger teams. We played well, but the boys will be bloody gutted at how thats played out at the end there. It's a feeling I think the vast majority on here will be feeling too.
I've watched from afar on this forum for a few years now. It amazes me the amount of "couch coaches". It also amazes me the amount of "couch players" that realistically haven't played a decent level but believe they no better! Fact is, you're all couch critics and many couldn't tie these kids laces but think because you've watched games you understand the pressure, tactical adjustments and level they're at. Yes, poor goals conceded, however the very best teams conceede from playing out. Football isn't what many dinosaurs on here played, it's evolved to the point where playing out is part and parcel of the game now. When done well it provides plenty if opportunities going forward, key becomes being pragmatic and learning route one for periods isn't a bad thing! That was a very good performance against a very good side regardless.
I thought that Mickinley was actually decent in the middle, turned into space well and released the ball.
LKH for me looked good as a CB. Seemed to win a few headers as well which was pleasing, plus happy to carry the ball forward from the back. Also happy to hit a good split pas. Didn't always get it, but he wasn't afraid.
I thought Kelly did well. A little isolated, but certainly made the defense work and was unlucky with his back post header.
Another day we win that game. But young players will make mistakes, just unfortunate 2 cost us today dearly.
Personally think that is one of our better u20 displays I've seen against a good team playing at home.
It’s hard not too be disappointed after the equaliser but there are plenty of positives to build on there.
Agree there were some very good spells. Greenie seems to be going some good things with his teams, which bodes well for him when he gets a chance at a professional level.
LBS with some nice flashes as usual. Ukich showing his skill, speed and flair but also some aspects which need to be fine tuned for him to make it in a professional environment.
I find McKenlay frustrating but he did have some nice touches and flicks round the corner to release the wingers. Phoenix and Loke trying their best but not always with the best product.
Ultimately NZ is always going to struggle to field 11+ really quality players at these tournaments, they just don’t have the depth across 2/3 year groups. Looking forward to the next game, plenty to build on.
Head coach Chris Greenacre says his side will shake off the disappointment of their 2-1 loss to Chile and regroup for their midweek match against Egypt at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
“We’ll dust ourselves down and review the game, and come up with a game plan against Egypt,” Greenacre said after New Zealand lost to Chile, conceding the match decider seven minutes into stoppage time.
“I thought it was a really entertaining game,” he said.
“I think it was a great spectacle. There was some great football played by both teams. Both teams showed fight and courage.
“On another day, we may have got something out of the game.”
I think the criticism on Mckenlay is harsh, worked hard and tried to create chances. The second goal is on the keeper (Who had a good game other than that), anyone who's played football will know how difficult it is to clear the ball that's under your foot while facing your own goal.
Gillions positioning is really good, but miss-controlled the ball one too many times today. Coulibaly could be a good option in the number 6 role because of his athleticism. Not too educated on Middleton but I'd say he'll be putting his name in the hat for a starting role against Egypt.
Backline looked solid, very impressed with Phoenix at LB, some quality deliveries. Front 3's energy was good too, Putt, LBS, Ukich and even Walker look like a threat.
I think Kelly over Supyk was the right decision too.
I've watched from afar on this forum for a few years now. It amazes me the amount of "couch coaches". It also amazes me the amount of "couch players" that realistically haven't played a decent level but believe they no better! Fact is, you're all couch critics and many couldn't tie these kids laces but think because you've watched games you understand the pressure, tactical adjustments and level they're at. Yes, poor goals conceded, however the very best teams conceede from playing out. Football isn't what many dinosaurs on here played, it's evolved to the point where playing out is part and parcel of the game now. When done well it provides plenty if opportunities going forward, key becomes being pragmatic and learning route one for periods isn't a bad thing! That was a very good performance against a very good side regardless.
I mean if we were fit and relevant we’d be out playing! If it’s your kid playing- yes he’s in an entertainment industry, where a part of it is us geezers who genuinely care and turn up and buy tickets, but have a range of real world skills and knowledge to put it charitably, giving their opinion. Only it’s the internet, not a pub…
You’ll find it’s hard to be a pro footballer if no one cares enough to give an opinion!
Thought the guys grew into the game well. Absorbed early pressure in the first 10-15 mins and then kicked on from there. Really entertaining match. Although seems like the senior mens side they also suffer from final-thirditis. Must be part of the programme at NZF, engrain them young with the strategy of creating plenty of chances that lack a clinical finish.
Backs to the wall they should well up for it against Egypt.
Didn’t see the game but reading the thread, unless bias is in there, is it fair to say those who impressed most were?
Defender - Phoenix? Midfielder - ? Forward - LBS?
For defenders: Bulkeley was great. Saved a goal with a brilliant sliding tackle, and won everything in the air a little more assuredly than LKH (who himself was good). Loke didn’t show too much. Phoenix decent defensively
Nothing too impressive in the midfield, Putt was alright but lost the ball a fair bit. McKenlay poor, and Gillion very poor.
Attack had a few standouts, LBS being the obvious one. Kelly was awesome up front too, maybe our MOTM, and Ukich was a livewire. GSR didn’t doo much when he came on
Irankunda might be the more talented player, but that's a very high bar. IMO LBS is an outstanding talent and he has shown plenty so far.imanixsupporter
no younger than Irankunda who was quite a bit more impressive also Nelfoos
LBS is 2 years younger at first sighting than the others you mentioned, we wouldn't expect him to be at that level.
Still, the talent is plainly there to see - how the Nix nurture it is now what's important.
Massive disparity in quality. Cremaschi (already has a hattrick + two assists) has already played over 100 games for Inter Miami in his career.
Nolan Norris who plays with James Bulkeley at North Texas in the MLS Next Pro has already been in and around the first team at FC Dallas for the past three seasons.
Scattered across the rest of the US starting XI, they have over 250 appearances in the MLS between them.
In contrast, this is very likely the highest calibre opponent the New Caledonians will ever face (until they face France in a weeks time).
Perhaps FIFA need to look at the 2nd team in OFC having a playoff against an AFC team, the winner qualifying for the U20 WC. So still some reward for the 2nd placed team at OFC qualifying.
FIFA used playoffs for the final few spots at the Paris Oympics mens football - also an age group tourney (U23).
Gifted to them via a goalkeeping error no less, but a nice bit of history for the country on an otherwise tough evening in Rancagua. Crowd going nuts too which is a nice touch.
