New Zealand Men's U-20s

The lack of composure did cost us. Though with young players who are not used to high pressure situations it will happen. THe two best goal scoring situations we missed stand out. The first was Lewis.....did really well to get in front of the defender, then played a lovely touch to get the ball to his left....he then wacked his shot wide. With a cooler head he would have realised he was inside the box, the keeper had stayed back. He could have passed the ball into the net either side. Ditto the missed header. Our guy tried to guide it wide across the keeper...that is the low percentage option. Better to head it firmly down....most times, unless its straight at the keeper its in the net.

I'm not trying to be critical because these kids are young and inexperianced and they had a split second to react....but it does illustrate the lack of composure. We created some nice chances and could/should have scored. THe team will be better for this hit out. Hopefully when chances come in other games we can take them.

How many of the players who played yesterday were also in the starting line up for the u17's?

The Wanderers concept got a lot of grief, but from memory they were spanked at the u17's so to do so well yesterday shows how far they have come. 

It will be interesting to see if the keep the concept going... assuming the NZFC remains.

Other than that, I would like to see Patterson start ahead of Lewis. And can anyone give me a little more info on Billoughsby (the striker who came on). He looks like a fast mans Peter Crouch, just crap in the air. Does he have any technical ability because from what I have sen of him thus far I have been underwhelmed.

My understanding was that this was a one off so we looked ok at our hosted world cup. Not to be repeated.

what do you mean?

the Wanderers concept was specifically for this WC and that's it (unless it's reviewed again)

that's what I meant, thanks Jeff.

I thought our CB's were our best performers. Looked really solid. Forgiving the missed header at the end, looked like he was caught in 2 minds whether to nod back across goal or aim for far post.

In saying that, doesn't make me hugely confident for future AW's, some solid players but no real stars to emerge yet, perhaps some will develop.

Looking forward to the match tonight.

Fire up.

Feel like this is the hardest game of the group for us. Would take a draw.

Any chance of a stream for us in Aussie?

Looks like Bill might be out for this game; would be a big blow, but I'd guess the game v Myanmar will be the most important one so might not be worth risking him.

Myanmar looks like quite a strong opposition and not an awful team like the press described them. 0-0 with Ukraine at HT with more goal chances for the Asian side. Hope Ukraine wins, we need Myanmar to make 0 points

Nice jinx.

Horrendous weather here

Noah Billingsley in for Rufer. Anyone know anything about him?

Too bad about the horrific weather; guessing it's going to be a very small croud

Bill's in though - good shark

I think that's a smart change, but then in fairness to Rufer, he has never been a striker. That much was very apparent from the 1st 45 I watched on Saturday so it really is not fair on the guy. Makes me scratch my head and ask what Hudson Bazeley is doing because Rufer is one of his better talents and is a professional. Not necessarily the yardstick you use to measure against but I expect more from him that others that are not professional

Personally I would have Rufer where Ridenton is positioned and put Ridenton in Dyers position. Rufer is a better footballer than Dyer and that  suits more their talents/natural positions for both Ridenton and Rufer.

I'd love a result here as given Myanmars spanking today I think we'll need at least a draw against the US to qualify.

100% agree on this

All the games I saw of the Nix reserves Rufer was playing deeper in a central mid role. He looked good too! his long and short passing game was excellent. To me Ridenton is not an attacking mid......good player but not in that position.

If the weather is shark I wonder if that evens things up for us? It might become a lottery...even better if they call it off and both sides share a point

A link please......anyone??????

Another great croud

www.livesoccertv.com??

What a start!

Brilliant cross. Just missing that last touch

anyone got a link without the american commentators?

NZF posted on Twitter that we were given a penalty. WTF??

fudge off

we are losing already right?

Does anyone have a working stream for the game.  Nothing on usagoals.com which is weird and nothing on the link above either.

our clearing is abismal.

I'd be happy with one with sound...

http://www.yopika.tv/20150602/v-haha_sport_1_name-...

Cheers kwlap

Thanks man.

Check here, the page is in spanish but there are some english streams http://www.rojadirecta.me/

A fine representation of New Zealand's new playing style. 

American commentator makes a fair point. This squad played 2 seasons together in a team specifically designed for this World Cup yet I don't see anything particularly noticable that would show its given them an advantage.  

gee billy t is good

not good