New Zealand U-23s - Quali Whites

Maybe can pick up a dodgy Chinese feed of it.

Anyone seen a teamlist? Starters subs 

Off the post Bidois! Brilliant ball in from the right hand side after a nice break from Van Hattum.

First chance of any note so far today.

Overall, we have a massive deficit of balance, acceleration and technique. Jay Herdman looks ok on this front though.

Edit, I should add, that China seem to have a massive deficit in defensive technique!

we're looking good right now
the team setup is spot on too, 4-3-3 with good movement up front and 2 midfeilders getting forward quickly

A nice touch by Temple; Sutton doing the inverted full back thing from time to time. 

A first in New Zealand international football?

deserved lead

Goalllllll Sutton penalty

Great passing move for the second

Beautiful goal from Bidois. China look like they were running out of puff.

Must have been a 15-20m gap between midfield and defence, Old just waltzed that through and put it on a platter for Bidois.
Nicely worked open play goal for a NZ side! 

Very impressed by the energy in this NZ side. Hustling and bustling and not being drawn into the physical battle that China have been employing against us.

Putting a superb showing. Well done team and coaches. 

FT at Mt Smart and it's a win for the U-22's over China U-24 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/CCQVjSKVvs

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) March 23, 2023

Pleasantly surprised at that result. But very well deserved. 👏

Stood up well to the physical side of the game and we took our chances. Bidois unlucky not to grab a double after ghosting in at that front post in the first half only to see his header come back off the post. Defensively we had them in our pocket - no clear cut opportunities for them and not a whole lot for Paulsen to do at the back, apart from stopping a few shots from range - meat and drink for him that.

Herdman probably the best on show for mine, and Im pretty sure he was the youngest on the pitch today too!  An absolute lock for Indonesia in May.

Good result and good showing from the phoenix boys goal for Sutton Assist for Old and clean sheet for Paulsen and Surman

Still crazy that China is just still not there as a footballing nation. Korea and Japan took about 20ish years from whipping boys at WCs in the 80s-early 90s to now consistently producing talent and competitive against 'traditional' heavyweight nations. China mostly focusing on counter pressing, not great at generating chances from building up play. 

According to a Chinese Australian friend of mine, the game in China is riddled with corruption and internal politics. If that is that is the best of their next generation (some have already played for their senior team I heard on commentary), they won't be turning the corner anytime soon.

I'm begging for Van Hattum to do something on pitch that explains why he is a professional footballer. Seems like he was missing again yesterday. 

2ndBest

I'm begging for Van Hattum to do something on pitch that explains why he is a professional footballer. Seems like he was missing again yesterday. 

Have a strong feeling that Bidois and Ott were the wrong players to release.

Van Hattum has a little bit of pace about him and makes some good runs, but I also feel, because he hasn't done anything, players when they see those chances, think twice, killing the opportunity a little, or look for a more 'known' option.

Who scored our first goal? The coverage on the stream was out for it

lukemstanton

Who scored our first goal? The coverage on the stream was out for it

Ben Old

Finn Linder looking like a good pick up for NZ. Composed and good on the ball. Got some good pace about him too.

Wonder if there is any coverage going around of our goal?

YoungHeartHM

Finn Linder looking like a good pick up for NZ. Composed and good on the ball. Got some good pace about him too.

Wonder if there is any coverage going around of our goal?

Was a nice low cross into the box, Old messed up his shot but then managed to get it in with a scrappy back heel.

Who’s the kid Randall?

Apart from Finland have there ever been more Fins or Finns in a football team before?

AucklandPhoenix

Apart from Finland have there ever been more Fins or Finns in a football team before?

Popular name with Kiwi Mums in 2000-2001.

Irish inspired I believe! 

Actually growing less impressed with Randall. He’s looked classy, but also hardly squared the ball once, which may have cost us some very good chances. Similar to Garbett last game. 

Edit: and as I write he crosses…

martinb

Who’s the kid Randall?

Jesse Randall, former Wellington Olympic, Tasman, North Wellington and HBU winger. Recently signed for Charleston Battery in the USL.

Without Herdman on the pitch, this team seems to struggle the same way the senior team do without Sarpreet.

Old can do it at times, but we lack a real creative spark linking the midfield and front line.

Edit: and look at that, a goal as soon as he comes on

And Jay Herdman..! 

I’ve heard that name somewhere before. 

This game has been a good watch tbh. 

I feel a bit sorry for Sutton and Old to have players in the AWs ahead of them who possibly shouldn’t, but they’ve shown their qualities here. 

Tbf it’s not only the 23s who’ve struggled with placing shots into the corners to beat the keeper…

Zoricich has looked quality since coming on, I hope the Nix can poach him. Would be a handy Elliot replacement if he goes, or a Mauragis replacement too since he can play LB and RB.

Great save by Sims at the end to keep it 2-1!

Thought Randall was good value throughout, was heavily involved, but was a bit wasteful with his shooting - Had 2-3 really good chances to get himself a goal.

Old was good until subbed late, but drifted in and out of the contest for long periods. Feel as though he's a lot better coming through the middle (and is more influential) than when he's out wider on the wings. Although I do like his propensity to try and take on, and go past his man when he is playing wider.

Jay Herdman is just different gravy for us, big future for the 18 year old. Quick feet, heads up and forward thinking player - get him around the senior setup before too long. Especially if the likes of Sarpreet Singh & Ryan Thomas are missing for any reason.

Enjoyed the game. China ran out of puff and perhaps will wish they’d been a bit more enterprising as they nearly scored twice at the end there. 

Bit disappointed not to see a bit more camaraderie between two close teams at the final whistle, as it seemed to be played in a good spirit. 

Friar Tuck

Zoricich has looked quality since coming on, I hope the Nix can poach him. Would be a handy Elliot replacement if he goes, or a Mauragis replacement too since he can play LB and RB.

he's better off at the CCM. they're good at this and he's establishing himself in a good system

I enjoyed that, the team played football. Some promise there for the future for the nIx and an Auckland A league team.