Worse than the tactics not bringing a positive result is the negative impact this has on player development. I would much, much rather our age group teams went to tournaments to keep the ball on the ground and learn from their mistakes than make it to the quarters playing that shark. Those extra two games are pointless because all it teaches them that they should play that way to succeed. Besides, the best counter-attacking football is still played with the ball the ground. We don't need to be Barca, but we certainly shouldn't be the Crazy Gang.
We need to be willing to expose these kids to failure so they can progress as footballers. We also need to allow them to show their skill so scouts will come back for another look. Let the All Whites put the result above everything, development has to be the number one priority at age-group level.
