New Zealand Men's U-20s

Surely some games against an Australia U20s team could quickly be put together. Especially once the ALM regular season is completed, and 6 clubs have finished their seasons.

To their credit NZF did scramble a team together very quickly after getting a late invite to that recent 4 Nation tourney in Indonesia - hosts, Fiji & Guatamela??

coochiee

Surely some games against an Australia U20s team could quickly be put together. Especially once the ALM regular season is completed, and 6 clubs have finished their seasons.

To their credit NZF did scramble a team together very quickly after getting a late invite to that recent 4 Nation tourney in Indonesia - hosts, Fiji & Guatamela??

Yes a game against OZ would be good for starters. 
Re 4 Nation tourney, it’s just a pity it was last minute. A planned tourney in Europe would be more desirable giving the players a lot more needed experience. 

It would be good to see the NZ team developing to play an attractive style of possessional play instead of the current kick and chase approach which is seen all too often making viewing dull. Let’s get players who are creative, who can hold onto the ball to make things difficult for the opposition and so we can play as a team and not as individuals.

Football Ted

coochiee

Surely some games against an Australia U20s team could quickly be put together. Especially once the ALM regular season is completed, and 6 clubs have finished their seasons.

To their credit NZF did scramble a team together very quickly after getting a late invite to that recent 4 Nation tourney in Indonesia - hosts, Fiji & Guatamela??

Yes a game against OZ would be good for starters. 
Re 4 Nation tourney, it’s just a pity it was last minute. A planned tourney in Europe would be more desirable giving the players a lot more needed experience. 

That would be expensive, and NZF have to watch their pennies a bit this WC Cycle with AWs missing out on the $16M pay day that Qatar would have given them. Though yes there is probably a 95% chance a big payday awaits them in 2026 with the bloated 48 team WC qualification.

I do remember Buckingham's 2019 team having a good buildup pre their Poland WC. That's the bonus of a European WC with plenty of teams around to play. 

About 8 of that starting 11 (exceptions Bell, Woud & Stanger) also came from players based in NZ at either Eastern Suburbs/Ole, or WeeNix in the Handy Prem. Though Singh & Cacace were already mostly in the Nix first team. I've banged on about this before, but Des benefited from most of his team knowing each other very well over several years playing together in NZ. The Handy Prem then was agruably higher quality than the current NL format, and that summer's edition helped prepare his team for Poland. ES (Ole) winning the Handy Prem that season. Buckingham was a regular visitor to ES & Nix/Weenix trainings that summer from memory.

Bazeley doesn't quite have that level of prep with his domestic based contingent. Though yes will be a big Weenix cohort who will know each other well. But Dazza will likely have more overseas based players in his starting lineup, some of them maybe like Dibley-Dias completey new to the squad. Challenge to blend them all together in a short leadup.

To be fair to Beazley who I find to be about as exciting as a brick, I do think he has tried to play a better brand of football with this current crop of players than what he did with the last u20 squad he had.

Probably a reflection of the improvements, at least technically in the players we are producing now.

In terms of the comments around the quality of our national comp, I think these might be a little unfair, or short sighted. The comment was made that some of our better younger players are heading overseas to try and get a better footballing opportunity. Well, 10 years ago, our young players couldn't get in anywhere it seemed. Now they are popping up all over the world. So we must be doing something right - even if it is just exposing them to senior football from an earlier age.

When is the next U20s squad being named? do we know? cheers

I believe squad has to be submitted to Fifa approx 3 weeks before tournament

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

4 weeks out and we are trialing? NUTS.

MetalLegNZ

4 weeks out and we are trialing? NUTS.

No.
4 weeks out and we are having a training camp with an extended squad to ensure we take the best 21 based on ability, form, headspace and attitude.
It’s always done like this. 
FIFA requires a long list of 35 players sometime out from the tournament, which then is reduced to 21 a couple weeks so before tournament starts.

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He does sound a real talent in that AM/ten role.

Wonder if NZF could even pitch it to him that if he does well at the U20 WC, he can assemble with the senior AWs in their June window (Sweden & someone else hopefully), as like a 'training observer' - along with other youngsters like Donkers in Europe. Football Ferns have done that a bit. From memory it's how Foster first came into the Ferns environment. Ally Green or Grace Neville before that??

But yeah what youngster wouldn't at least be tempted by the carrot of being around senior international football at such a young age. A valuable experience. He won't get that now, if he plumps for Brazil, England or Portugal.

Training camps are different to trials. One suggests you know who you are looking at, the other suggests your still looking.

Perhaps bad wording on the dad's twitter, or whoevers account it was.

coochiee

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He does sound a real talent in that AM/ten role.

Wonder if NZF could even pitch it to him that if he does well at the U20 WC, he can assemble with the senior AWs in their June window (Sweden & someone else hopefully), as like a 'training observer' - along with other youngsters like Donkers in Europe. Football Ferns have done that a bit. From memory it's how Foster first came into the Ferns environment. Ally Green or Grace Neville before that??

But yeah what youngster wouldn't at least be tempted by the carrot of being around senior international football at such a young age. A valuable experience. He won't get that now, if he plumps for Brazil, England or Portugal.

If the kid doesn't want to play for New Zealand, I don't think he should get given extra incentives/rewards just to try convince him. International football should be the ultimate honour and privilege for a player, and if he'd rather chase better countries (that he has more connection to as well - so there isn't even really a sentimental value) then so be it; there are hundreds of kids in New Zealand who would do anything to be given that opportunity.

I'd rather see a local kid who'd run through brick walls for the badge, than a player who is there reluctantly as plans A, B and C haven't eventuated.

Youth caps don't cap tie players, as we are all very aware off, so if he did play for the U20s and then does look like he'd have a chance with plans A, B or C he'd probably turn down any senior NZ advances anyway. Similarly, if he doesn't commit now, but is playing English lower leagues in four/five years, I'm sure he could then approach NZF.

carlind

coochiee

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He does sound a real talent in that AM/ten role.

Wonder if NZF could even pitch it to him that if he does well at the U20 WC, he can assemble with the senior AWs in their June window (Sweden & someone else hopefully), as like a 'training observer' - along with other youngsters like Donkers in Europe. Football Ferns have done that a bit. From memory it's how Foster first came into the Ferns environment. Ally Green or Grace Neville before that??

But yeah what youngster wouldn't at least be tempted by the carrot of being around senior international football at such a young age. A valuable experience. He won't get that now, if he plumps for Brazil, England or Portugal.

If the kid doesn't want to play for New Zealand, I don't think he should get given extra incentives/rewards just to try convince him. International football should be the ultimate honour and privilege for a player, and if he'd rather chase better countries (that he has more connection to as well - so there isn't even really a sentimental value) then so be it; there are hundreds of kids in New Zealand who would do anything to be given that opportunity.

I'd rather see a local kid who'd run through brick walls for the badge, than a player who is there reluctantly as plans A, B and C haven't eventuated.

Youth caps don't cap tie players, as we are all very aware off, so if he did play for the U20s and then does look like he'd have a chance with plans A, B or C he'd probably turn down any senior NZ advances anyway. Similarly, if he doesn't commit now, but is playing English lower leagues in four/five years, I'm sure he could then approach NZF.

I’d rather see good players helping us win games. Siggy would’ve run through walls for the AWs and was a very serviceable player, but I think everyone would agree that playing Winston Reid and Tommy Smith at the WC rather than him contributed to us earning those high profile draws.

carlind

coochiee

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He does sound a real talent in that AM/ten role.

Wonder if NZF could even pitch it to him that if he does well at the U20 WC, he can assemble with the senior AWs in their June window (Sweden & someone else hopefully), as like a 'training observer' - along with other youngsters like Donkers in Europe. Football Ferns have done that a bit. From memory it's how Foster first came into the Ferns environment. Ally Green or Grace Neville before that??

But yeah what youngster wouldn't at least be tempted by the carrot of being around senior international football at such a young age. A valuable experience. He won't get that now, if he plumps for Brazil, England or Portugal.

If the kid doesn't want to play for New Zealand, I don't think he should get given extra incentives/rewards just to try convince him. International football should be the ultimate honour and privilege for a player, and if he'd rather chase better countries (that he has more connection to as well - so there isn't even really a sentimental value) then so be it; there are hundreds of kids in New Zealand who would do anything to be given that opportunity.

I'd rather see a local kid who'd run through brick walls for the badge, than a player who is there reluctantly as plans A, B and C haven't eventuated.

Youth caps don't cap tie players, as we are all very aware off, so if he did play for the U20s and then does look like he'd have a chance with plans A, B or C he'd probably turn down any senior NZ advances anyway. Similarly, if he doesn't commit now, but is playing English lower leagues in four/five years, I'm sure he could then approach NZF.

Yipe get your point. But I'd open it to more than just Dibley-Dias, to other young Kiwi players like Donkers, Kees Sims etc now with clubs in Europe. I remember comments by Wood pre the China games, when U23s trained with the AWS, that that sort of thing should be done more often.

Just tell Dibley-Dias that all going well at the U20 WC, he will have the chance to train alongside the AWs in June. Who knows rubbing shoulders with the likes of Garbett, Stamenic, Singh & Bell - midfielders who ain't that much older than him - and who also all have at least one non NZ born parent (ie immigrant heritage), he may fall in love with the idea of committing to NZ long term. Understandably given his grandfather's playing history in Brazil, he dreams of playing for the Selecao - but realistically his chances are tiny.

Wouldn't cost NZF much extra to bring into the AWs camp, 5-10 promisng young European based Kiwis for a week.

🏆 The stage is set. Which nation will lift the FIFA #U20WC trophy?

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 21, 2023

Will be a lot of eyes on us given we've got the hosts in our group, fantastic opportunity for our boys though. 

I'm intrigued to see how we'll go against the Uzbek's too given they're the current U20 Asian Cup Champions (and the side that knocked Australia out en-route as well 🥳).

Exciting times.
Squad now please NZF!

Probably one of the better pools to be in as well. To be fair, I don't know much about any of the teams other than Argentina in the pool. Just basing it on names and traditional strength.

Got a useful look at Guatamela (and them us) a weeks back that quad tourney in Indonesia. Suspect Fiji will do it tough

Hopefully the Aussies can share some intel on the Uzbeks

Guatemala in the first match, then Uzbekistan, then Argentina last.

Rematch with Guatemala - who of course beat the U20s 3-1 a few weeks back in Indonesia. The match is being played in the same ground right after the hosts play in the tournament opener. Same in the second matchday - Argentina play the early match then NZ kick off same stadium afterwards. 

The Guatemala match, even though it's first up, is probably a must-win. CONCACAF sides (outside of USA/Mexico) are typically the weakest sides in the FIFA youth tournaments - excluding OFC who we can't draw, though even Fiji beat Honduras 3-0 in 2015. Winning the match would give the team a lot of confidence - similar to beating Honduras 5-0 last time, and also mean they might only need one more point for the next round. Ideally we'd want to only need one point from the Uzbekistan and Argentina matches. Asian champions (albeit as hosts) and the tournament hosts (albeit one who failed to qualify by right) are not matches you want to have to pick up three points from. 

Both the first two matchdays of Group A are in the city of Santiago del Estero, in the north of the country with a population of 250,000 and average afternoon/evening temperatures of roughly 18-24°C. 

The Argentina match is then in the city of San Juan, 585km away. Will likely be a large crowd to play against, but temperature should be a couple degrees cooler.

Some upsides and downsides to having Argentina last - if they have already qualified for the knockout stage then they might rotate their squad to save legs, so the team might not have to face as strong a side as the other two did. Also could mean NZ get the points on the board early against Guatemala and Uzbekistan and then be less worried about needing a result from the hosts. Given four out of six third place teams qualify - four points should be enough; only one side since 1999 has failed to make the Round of 16 with four points.

On the other hand, it means a loss against Guatemala or Uzbekistan would make a result against Argentina all but necessary for any chance of advancing. 

It's also worth remembering that Pot A1 was Indonesia up until a couple weeks ago - so we could've had Guatemala, Uzbekistan and Indonesia instead.

This will be tough. 

Uzbeks knocked Australia U20 out of AFC qualifying. And would have played a number of tough games in that tourney, way above our OFC opposition.

Guatemala now get to play in another Latino Spanish speaking country, where the locals will be cheering for them, as their '2nd team'. They will get a lift from that. Very different scene to playing Honduras in Poland.

Imagine replacing Argentina with Indonesia there - that's a sweep.

Very encouraging group but I hope the players don't enter the tournament cocky just because they aren't playing traditional footballing powers. Stick to our guns and another R16 appearance is in the works

I highly doubt Argentina will cheer on for Guatemala because they speak Spanish, Uruguay and Chile speak Spanish and we can’t stand them 😂

coochiee

This will be tough. 

Uzbeks knocked Australia U20 out of AFC qualifying. And would have played a number of tough games in that tourney, way above our OFC opposition.

Guatemala now get to play in another Latino Spanish speaking country, where the locals will be cheering for them, as their '2nd team'. They will get a lift from that. Very different scene to playing Honduras in Poland.

Nixieboys222

I highly doubt Argentina will cheer on for Guatemala because they speak Spanish, Uruguay and Chile speak Spanish and we can’t stand them 😂

coochiee

This will be tough. 

Uzbeks knocked Australia U20 out of AFC qualifying. And would have played a number of tough games in that tourney, way above our OFC opposition.

Guatemala now get to play in another Latino Spanish speaking country, where the locals will be cheering for them, as their '2nd team'. They will get a lift from that. Very different scene to playing Honduras in Poland.

Chile yes, I get that. But Uruguay? Most Argies I know consider them a little brother. But otherwise my experience of Latino countries is there is definitely a brotherhood. Everyone in Peru last year, wanted Costa Rica to beat the All Whites. And they all wanted Messi to win the WC

Yipe Argentina/Chile is a bit of an outlier. But I'd be surprised if the home fans at the U20 WC, didn't adopt Guatamela, Honduras, Dominician Republic, Ecuador as their 2nd teams in whatever host city they play.

I don’t want to appear ignorant but how did Fiji make it

AucklandPhoenix

I don’t want to appear ignorant but how did Fiji make it

Finished second in the OFC qualifying tournament so get the second of 2 OFC slots for the U20 World Cup.

Squad naming still aways away. I suspect it's trying to work out who of the overseas players (a bit harder to talent spot) is worthy, or still haven't decided whether to commit to NZ or not.

Age group stuff always hard to predict, but I'm gonna go with
Guatamela 1-1
Uzbekistan 1-2 loss
Argentina 0-3 loss

Cue online outrage that Bazeley has no idea etc etc. But don't think any of this squad will sign for Bayern, or play Serie A in the next few years. I also think they are going in with a lesser buildup than the 2019 version. But who really knows, and hope I'm wrong.

A decent draw for the New Zealand men’s under-20s. Expecting the squad to be named the first week of May. https://t.co/fQyPraZF79

— Andrew Voerman (@andrewvoerman) April 21, 2023

I agree that Des had a golden generation and it is unfair to expect Darren to match what his team did (it wasn't the stage in the tournament that they reached that was so impressive but more so the way that they achieved it - comfortably qualifying with a game to spare and also having his team look like they more than belonged). I still think your predicted results should be considered disappointing, but as long as we look like they belong at that level and have a plan I won't be too disappointed. 

Uzbeksistan will be beatable, but NZ will go in as underdogs.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/uzbekistan-u-20-world-cup-indonesia-2023-coach-star-player

Uzbeks won the AFC qualifying tourney, beating Australia (QF) & Sth Korea (semi) on pens & then Iraq 1-0 in the final. Yes they were hosts. Encouraging that they only managed a 0-0 draw with Indonesia. Looks like they don't score much, but concede even less.
https://us.soccerway.com/teams/uzbekistan/uzbekistan-u20/14299/

But they have a good record at U20 WCs. Quarter finalists in 2013 & 2015.

Scouting report on Nathan Simes completed by same company as did report on Kian Donkers

Target Scouting Report 

coochiee

carlind

coochiee

YoungHeartHM

coochiee

Another 'Pom-Kiwi' out of the woodwork? Wonder if Dibley-Dias is there

Dibley-Dias is still in the UK and should be lining up for their PL2 game against Arsenal on the weekend, and their Premier League Cup semi final against Brentford later on next week.

Respectfully, should he decide to come our way, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He does sound a real talent in that AM/ten role.

Wonder if NZF could even pitch it to him that if he does well at the U20 WC, he can assemble with the senior AWs in their June window (Sweden & someone else hopefully), as like a 'training observer' - along with other youngsters like Donkers in Europe. Football Ferns have done that a bit. From memory it's how Foster first came into the Ferns environment. Ally Green or Grace Neville before that??

But yeah what youngster wouldn't at least be tempted by the carrot of being around senior international football at such a young age. A valuable experience. He won't get that now, if he plumps for Brazil, England or Portugal.

If the kid doesn't want to play for New Zealand, I don't think he should get given extra incentives/rewards just to try convince him. International football should be the ultimate honour and privilege for a player, and if he'd rather chase better countries (that he has more connection to as well - so there isn't even really a sentimental value) then so be it; there are hundreds of kids in New Zealand who would do anything to be given that opportunity.

I'd rather see a local kid who'd run through brick walls for the badge, than a player who is there reluctantly as plans A, B and C haven't eventuated.

Youth caps don't cap tie players, as we are all very aware off, so if he did play for the U20s and then does look like he'd have a chance with plans A, B or C he'd probably turn down any senior NZ advances anyway. Similarly, if he doesn't commit now, but is playing English lower leagues in four/five years, I'm sure he could then approach NZF.

Yipe get your point. But I'd open it to more than just Dibley-Dias, to other young Kiwi players like Donkers, Kees Sims etc now with clubs in Europe. I remember comments by Wood pre the China games, when U23s trained with the AWS, that that sort of thing should be done more often.

Just tell Dibley-Dias that all going well at the U20 WC, he will have the chance to train alongside the AWs in June. Who knows rubbing shoulders with the likes of Garbett, Stamenic, Singh & Bell - midfielders who ain't that much older than him - and who also all have at least one non NZ born parent (ie immigrant heritage), he may fall in love with the idea of committing to NZ long term. Understandably given his grandfather's playing history in Brazil, he dreams of playing for the Selecao - but realistically his chances are tiny.

Wouldn't cost NZF much extra to bring into the AWs camp, 5-10 promisng young European based Kiwis for a week.

What is it with NZ, that wether it be as a player or a coach we tend to always assume that just because they are from the UK, they must have talent and know everything about football. I think it would surprise people to know that the level of individual talent in the UK is not all what it’s made out to be.

Anzac

Scouting report on Nathan Simes completed by same company as did report on Kian Donkers

Target Scouting Report 

Not sure on the facts of the report on Nathan Simes but he was playing for Miramar reserves before moving to Wests last year where he was a part player. From memory he only scored a handful of goals.

Little round-up on what's happening with the three sides in NZ's group.

Uzbekistan U20 won a warmup friendly 3-0 this morning against tournament debutants Dominican Republic, the second of three matches being played in Spain as part of their preparation. A couple days ago they also played Brazil, who won the South American qualifying tournament - with Argentina originally failing to qualify. Uzbekistan took the lead from a cross tapped in at the near post, but eventually succumbed to the quality and lost 4-1. They play their third match against Gibraltar U21s on Friday, and have also organised to play Uruguay on the 13th once they head down to South America.

Guatemala have lost a dual-nat player for the tournament due to passport issues. Luca Avendaño is US-born to a Guatemalan father and French mother, and debuted for Guatemala against NZ in Indonesia, scoring a goal. He currently plays for a fifth-tier Spanish side, Alcantarilla, who sit 14th out of 16 in their group, of which there are 18.

He was a member of their 23-man squad that played warm-up matches in Mexico and the US in late March. Their squad was mostly locally-based, with a few at NCAA Div 1 programs, one at Pachuca in Mexico and one at Deportivo la Coruna (once of Champions League semifinals fame but now third tier) in Spain. In the matches they drew 1-1 with Rovers FC, had a 1-0 win and a 0-1 loss to Mexican side Chivas' U20 side, and beat US side FC Birmingham 2-1. They look to be in camp again since the 16th with about 25 players at their national training centre.

Argentina had their long list of players leaked. It features 37 players from which they will chose the final 21 for the tournament. Their list does feature Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, but it does not appear likely that he will be allowed to join up with the squad, as the tournament does not require clubs to release players for it. Brighton's Facundo Buonanotte is also unlikely to be released.

Of their European contingent, right-back Matias Soule, who has 18 appearances for Juventus this season, will apparently likely be there. As will DM Maximo Perrone, who has just the one PL appearance for Manchester City, having joined this January and winger Luka Romero, who has six Serie A appearances and one goal for Lazio this season. Sporting CP central midfielder Mateo Tanlongo (seven league appearances) and on-loan-from-Inter at Monza left back Franco Carboni (two Seria A appearances) are others with Top 6 league appearances this season. Here is the full list.

I didn’t see what you described as our style in the U22 game v China.

Football Ted

It would be good to see the NZ team developing to play an attractive style of possessional play instead of the current kick and chase approach which is seen all too often making viewing dull. Let’s get players who are creative, who can hold onto the ball to make things difficult for the opposition and so we can play as a team and not as individuals.

carlind

Guatemala in the first match, then Uzbekistan, then Argentina last.

Rematch with Guatemala - who of course beat the U20s 3-1 a few weeks back in Indonesia. The match is being played in the same ground right after the hosts play in the tournament opener. Same in the second matchday - Argentina play the early match then NZ kick off same stadium afterwards. 

The Guatemala match, even though it's first up, is probably a must-win. CONCACAF sides (outside of USA/Mexico) are typically the weakest sides in the FIFA youth tournaments - excluding OFC who we can't draw, though even Fiji beat Honduras 3-0 in 2015. Winning the match would give the team a lot of confidence - similar to beating Honduras 5-0 last time, and also mean they might only need one more point for the next round. Ideally we'd want to only need one point from the Uzbekistan and Argentina matches. Asian champions (albeit as hosts) and the tournament hosts (albeit one who failed to qualify by right) are not matches you want to have to pick up three points from. 

Both the first two matchdays of Group A are in the city of Santiago del Estero, in the north of the country with a population of 250,000 and average afternoon/evening temperatures of roughly 18-24°C. 

The Argentina match is then in the city of San Juan, 585km away. Will likely be a large crowd to play against, but temperature should be a couple degrees cooler.

Some upsides and downsides to having Argentina last - if they have already qualified for the knockout stage then they might rotate their squad to save legs, so the team might not have to face as strong a side as the other two did. Also could mean NZ get the points on the board early against Guatemala and Uzbekistan and then be less worried about needing a result from the hosts. Given four out of six third place teams qualify - four points should be enough; only one side since 1999 has failed to make the Round of 16 with four points.

On the other hand, it means a loss against Guatemala or Uzbekistan would make a result against Argentina all but necessary for any chance of advancing. 

It's also worth remembering that Pot A1 was Indonesia up until a couple weeks ago - so we could've had Guatemala, Uzbekistan and Indonesia instead.

except that Indonesia and Uzbekistan could not be drawn in the same group, so it would have been either Honduras and Nigeria from Pot 3, and then if it was Honduras it could not be Guatemala from Pot 4 ....

2023 version to be named this week?

Yep that was a pretty special U20s team pic.twitter.com/rUyuhMWa1P

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) April 28, 2023

🔔 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🔔

Our squad has been named for the U-20 @FIFAWorldCup in Argentina.

We will be playing (local time):

20 May - vs. 🇬🇹 Guatemala
23 May - vs. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
26 May - vs. 🇦🇷 Argentina #U20WC

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 1, 2023

Squad for the World Cup. Congratulations to all those selected. A lot of potential, and a massive opportunity to showcase on the world stage.
Let's go lads 👏👏👏

YoungHeartHM

🔔 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🔔

Our squad has been named for the U-20 @FIFAWorldCup in Argentina.

We will be playing (local time):

20 May - vs. 🇬🇹 Guatemala
23 May - vs. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
26 May - vs. 🇦🇷 Argentina #U20WC

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 1, 2023

Squad for the World Cup.
Let's go lads 🙌

14 of the 21 have been at either the Phoenix or Suburbs in the last year or so. Only one player in NZ picked who's not from either of those teams. I wonder if it's simply pure coincidence that the head coach and assistant are employed at those clubs?

Coaches pick 'their' players, so kids who want to be given a shot will then have to join their academy to become one of 'their' kids and around it goes. All the while the reputation of the coaches is embellished as they have x number of 'their' players in NZ U22/U20/U17, and thus academy fees can go up as can remuneration.

If the team isn't a success over there then questions should be asked. I won't be holding my breath though.

Obviously not the kids' fault I'll add.

Well the whole nix ole thing didn't take long to be mentioned...