I get the thinking but I'd rather have an absolute proven game-changer in Singh (who can play alongside Old if we need, with one of them in a front three). I'm not sure how NZF views this tournament, but being such a huge occasion I'd love to treat this as a statement and not a developmental opportunity - we have many other options for that
New Zealand U-23s - Quali Whites
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I get the thinking but I'd rather have an absolute proven game-changer in Singh (who can play alongside Old if we need, with one of them in a front three). I'm not sure how NZF views this tournament, but being such a huge occasion I'd love to treat this as a statement and not a developmental opportunity - we have many other options for that
Countries are supposed to have already submitted a long list to IOC for eligibility, doping tracking etc.
18 man squad - Paulsen, Sims/Gray, Sheridan, Surman, Bindon, Hughes, LK-H, Sutton, Dibley-Dias, Stamenic, Garbett, Old, Herdman, Van Hattum, Waine.
3 overage guys from - Cacace, Payne, Singh & Wood
4 travelling reserves - Sims/Gray, Conchie, Jessie Randall, Lachlan Bayliss (Jets).
Bidois in the mix. Ronan Wynne & Willem Ebbinge at US Colleges on the fringe. Same guys in NZ like Lobo, Strong & Lee. Linder at Vancouver II.
But unless you are in a pro environment you have little to no chance. The leap to then potentially playing the best young players from France or the USA is just too huge.
Jessie Randall likely the strongest chance from the NZ Domestic leagues - but in reality he's only at Olympic waiting for Auckland FC to announce their squad.
Apparently James trialled with the Nix in pre season, but obviously not offered a contract.
The younger brother 21 yr old Lachie looks really promising. Slow start to this season battling same osteitis pubis injury, that Singh & Old have also recently. But yeah he's definitely in the mix for Paris, presuming he's eligible.
Dad's a Kiwi. Pretty sure Mum is too.
Eligible.
May not be until after OFC Nations Cup which finishes June 30th from memory
AWs for that tourney to be announced in about a week. Olympics football kicks off 26th July
Or they could I guess name both teams at the same time. The 18/22 man Olywhites ain’t really a hard squad to pick if everyone is available. The question marks are almost more over the over age players, esp Singh & Libby (if Empoli relegated) who’s club futures are bit clouded
It's a tricky one. Yes OFC Nations Cup would be a very useful dress rehearsal for Paris. But there are valuable FIFA ranking points at play, which was the basis of NZF's about turn to enter the Nations Cup in the first place, are initially not. We remember the 'Horror in Honiara', and Hudson's crew only winning on pens in 2017.
Like a first choice AWs will definitely have alot of U23 players anyway. But other strong Paris candidates like Sims/Gray, Hughes, Sheridan, Sutton, Conchie, OVH are well down the list.
If Dibley-Dias plays in the Nations Cup he will be cap tied. Hopefully he does, but he may wait to after the Olympics and see what happens there. The way Stensness performed in Tokyo obviously got the attention of the Socceroos (yes a smaller footballing nation than D-D's other options of Brazil, England or Portugal).
I get the thinking but I'd rather have an absolute proven game-changer in Singh (who can play alongside Old if we need, with one of them in a front three). I'm not sure how NZF views this tournament, but being such a huge occasion I'd love to treat this as a statement and not a developmental opportunity - we have many other options for that
Libby is great, but his inclusion would mean Sutton misses out, who I think is also a very good footballer.
The question is, where are our biggest holes, which is why Singh and Wood make the cut if available. From there, it'd be RB, so I take Payne who can also take on a leadership role.
The question is, where are our biggest holes, which is why Singh and Wood make the cut if available. From there, it'd be RB, so I take Payne who can also take on a leadership role.
Note it's Sarpreet being quoted, and not Libby who played at the Tokyo Olympics.
Weird comment about the WC. We must be one of, if not the only nation almost guaranteed to be there aside from hosts.
Aside from that I read that as Singh is not going to Paris in a couple of months.
Aside from that I read that as Singh is not going to Paris in a couple of months.
Payne also said very recently that Bazeley hasn't spoken with him about the possibility either. What that basically means to me is that by far the most likely explanation for this is that Bazeley hasn't spoken to any of the over 23s about it at this stage, which I think is insane. Surely he should have floated it to a pool of say 6 players by now, in case his preferred 3 can't or get injured, so that 6 can begin to prepare for the possibility & ask their clubs. And surely Payne and Singh have to be in that conversation. Why hasn't Bazeley done this?
The Olympics don't start until mid July, and before that we have the Nations Cup in June. I imagine Bazeley is waiting until then, and all the club seasons are over.
He might have chatted to likes of Wood, Libby, Singh, Payne etc in the March window, we don't know.
Singh needs to find a new club. That's his no 1 priority. He's had a frustrating time now pretty much since Covid started. Apart from a quality half season at Jahn Rensburg that attracted the interest of Werder Bremen. But he must be sick of it all, and so it's absolutely crucial he & his agent now find the right club, with hopefully Rostock releasing him on a free. He's likely speaking to his agent daily. So fair enough Bazeley gives him some space until the German season finishes.
Payne different story, but Nix have their best chance ever at an ALM title. So again just let him focus on that until early June. Bazeley may chat to him week of Elimination Finals, when presumably the Nix guys might get a few days off, with a fortnight between games.
He might have chatted to likes of Wood, Libby, Singh, Payne etc in the March window, we don't know.
Singh needs to find a new club. That's his no 1 priority. He's had a frustrating time now pretty much since Covid started. Apart from a quality half season at Jahn Rensburg that attracted the interest of Werder Bremen. But he must be sick of it all, and so it's absolutely crucial he & his agent now find the right club, with hopefully Rostock releasing him on a free. He's likely speaking to his agent daily. So fair enough Bazeley gives him some space until the German season finishes.
Payne different story, but Nix have their best chance ever at an ALM title. So again just let him focus on that until early June. Bazeley may chat to him week of Elimination Finals, when presumably the Nix guys might get a few days off, with a fortnight between games.
There is plenty of time between now and the Olympics and depending how teams seasons end etc, a lot of water to go under the bridge.
If Forest stay up - they may ask that WOOD get a proper off season, if they get relegated, they might be happy for him to go in case it brings in more offers etc.
Also, the coach might want players to focus on the Nation Cup first and foremost.
If Forest stay up - they may ask that WOOD get a proper off season, if they get relegated, they might be happy for him to go in case it brings in more offers etc.
Also, the coach might want players to focus on the Nation Cup first and foremost.
Wood's a free agent after this year isn't he? So unless Forrest give him a new contract he will be hunting for a new club anyway.
While transfer market says otherwise, according to the forest for7ms he has one more year
Countries are supposed to have already submitted a long list to IOC for eligibility, doping tracking etc.
AFC U23 Olympics qualifying.
Indonesia lose their semi to Uzbekistan 2-0. Japan beat Iraq 2-0 in the other semi. The finalists both qualify for Paris.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/news/buriev_olympic_qualification_a_huge_achievement_for_uzbekistan.html
3rd/4th playoff between Indonesia & Iraq actually has some meaning. The winner automatically qualifies.
Whilst the loser will playoff against Guinea (CAF) side next week in France, to become the final team in the Olywhites's pool.
Indonesia lose their semi to Uzbekistan 2-0. Japan beat Iraq 2-0 in the other semi. The finalists both qualify for Paris.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/news/buriev_olympic_qualification_a_huge_achievement_for_uzbekistan.html
3rd/4th playoff between Indonesia & Iraq actually has some meaning. The winner automatically qualifies.
Whilst the loser will playoff against Guinea (CAF) side next week in France, to become the final team in the Olywhites's pool.
Are there any potential bolters we should notice? Someone sticking their hand up in auck wgtn chch?
18 man squad - Paulsen, Sims/Gray, Sheridan, Surman, Bindon, Hughes, LK-H, Sutton, Dibley-Dias, Stamenic, Garbett, Old, Herdman, Van Hattum, Waine.
3 overage guys from - Cacace, Payne, Singh & Wood
4 travelling reserves - Sims/Gray, Conchie, Jessie Randall, Lachlan Bayliss (Jets).
Bidois in the mix. Ronan Wynne & Willem Ebbinge at US Colleges on the fringe. Same guys in NZ like Lobo, Strong & Lee. Linder at Vancouver II.
But unless you are in a pro environment you have little to no chance. The leap to then potentially playing the best young players from France or the USA is just too huge.
Jessie Randall likely the strongest chance from the NZ Domestic leagues - but in reality he's only at Olympic waiting for Auckland FC to announce their squad.
It still amazes me that all of those guys are in the professional environment. Rewind 15 years and we'd have been stoked to have a handful in a pro environment.
Looking at wiki, Lachlan Bayliss has a brother James, who played a few games for CCM last year. Admittedly not re signed and with Marconi this year but with the kiwi link may be of interest to a NZ A league club.
Apparently James trialled with the Nix in pre season, but obviously not offered a contract.
The younger brother 21 yr old Lachie looks really promising. Slow start to this season battling same osteitis pubis injury, that Singh & Old have also recently. But yeah he's definitely in the mix for Paris, presuming he's eligible.
Presuming he’s eligible
Wtf, he’s named in your squad above as a reserve.
Is he or not?
Wtf, he’s named in your squad above as a reserve.
Is he or not?
Dad's a Kiwi. Pretty sure Mum is too.
Eligible.
If we are talking about bolters 10 goals un 5 games so far. Admittedly at central league level.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/strike-force-oscar-partying-in-front-of-goal-as-rovers-stay-on-target/HXO7PWC5ABDEFEP7XPWTZOEI7Q/
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/strike-force-oscar-partying-in-front-of-goal-as-rovers-stay-on-target/HXO7PWC5ABDEFEP7XPWTZOEI7Q/
Bonnie Jansen's OlyWhites squad:
Paulsen, Gray;
Cacace Kelly-Heald Sutton Surman Bindon Raj;
Stamenic Singh Garbett Dibley-Dias Old;
Wood Waine Herdman Toomey van Hattum
Piney's:
Paulsen Sims;
Cacace Hughes Bindon Sutton Sheridan Surman;
Stamenic Singh Garbett Dibley-Dias Old Conchie;
Wood Waine Herdman van Hattum
Presumably Bonnie has Bindon at RB? But she also said she was expecting a back 5 formation so maybe she is thinking van Hattum there. For me it has to be a CB pair of Surman & Bindon, would much prefer to play Sheridan or Payne at RB.
I'd be very disappointed with a back 5 setup. This is basically an All Whites lite squad and would like to see the same philosophy, the u20s recently stunk up their World Cup with a back 5 and we have seen enough of that formation.
Paulsen, Gray;
Cacace Kelly-Heald Sutton Surman Bindon Raj;
Stamenic Singh Garbett Dibley-Dias Old;
Wood Waine Herdman Toomey van Hattum
Piney's:
Paulsen Sims;
Cacace Hughes Bindon Sutton Sheridan Surman;
Stamenic Singh Garbett Dibley-Dias Old Conchie;
Wood Waine Herdman van Hattum
Presumably Bonnie has Bindon at RB? But she also said she was expecting a back 5 formation so maybe she is thinking van Hattum there. For me it has to be a CB pair of Surman & Bindon, would much prefer to play Sheridan or Payne at RB.
I'd be very disappointed with a back 5 setup. This is basically an All Whites lite squad and would like to see the same philosophy, the u20s recently stunk up their World Cup with a back 5 and we have seen enough of that formation.
I'd like to think Bazeley & Co will be flexible re the formation. The French team at home are going to have world class players all over the pitch. Mbappé himself wants to play.
By NZ standards Bindon & Surman are standout young CBs, but still the French game will likely be a huge step up. It's the one pool game where I'd excuse Bazeley for being more defensive.
Otherwise (again by NZ standards) it's a potentially strong looking midfield for the Olywhites.
I think Lukas Kelly-Heald has to be in there somewhere. Doubt Raj & Toomey are realistically much of a chance. Alot will depend if Cacace, Singh & Wood are all available. All 3 could be training at new clubs in the European off season.
By NZ standards Bindon & Surman are standout young CBs, but still the French game will likely be a huge step up. It's the one pool game where I'd excuse Bazeley for being more defensive.
Otherwise (again by NZ standards) it's a potentially strong looking midfield for the Olywhites.
I think Lukas Kelly-Heald has to be in there somewhere. Doubt Raj & Toomey are realistically much of a chance. Alot will depend if Cacace, Singh & Wood are all available. All 3 could be training at new clubs in the European off season.
If Cacace is picked, does Sutton play?
That’s great youth depth if there’s even a thought of leaving Kelly-Heald out. Surely they can’t ? He’s played 22 games and had some great moments charging forward, a gorgeously placed headed assist for Kosta and some nice crossing. He kept Sutton out for a good long while. Plus his size just adds something different for set pieces.
And these guys are essentially highly experienced and trusted pros: Stamenic, Surman, Waine, Old, Bindon, Sutton, Van Hattum and Garbett
with Conchie, Hughes and Sheridan not far behind.
Stunning squad depth for NZ.
And these guys are essentially highly experienced and trusted pros: Stamenic, Surman, Waine, Old, Bindon, Sutton, Van Hattum and Garbett
with Conchie, Hughes and Sheridan not far behind.
Stunning squad depth for NZ.
Indonesia (conquerors of the Olyroos) to play Guinea in the playoff for final spot in Olywhites pool.
https://olympics.com/en/news/indonesia-guinea-how-to-watch-olympic-play-off-paris-2024-live
Indonesia finished 4th at AFC qualifying tourney, losing 3rd/4th playoff in ET to Iraq.
NZU20s played Indonesia U20s last year (pre U20 WC), so if their U23 team win tonight I imagine some of their squad will be known by Bazeley & Co.
https://olympics.com/en/news/indonesia-guinea-how-to-watch-olympic-play-off-paris-2024-live
Indonesia finished 4th at AFC qualifying tourney, losing 3rd/4th playoff in ET to Iraq.
NZU20s played Indonesia U20s last year (pre U20 WC), so if their U23 team win tonight I imagine some of their squad will be known by Bazeley & Co.
Guinea confirmed for the Olympics with a 1-0 won over Indonesia.
We'll play them in our first pool match too.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2024/05/10/guinea-win-last-spot-at-olympic-games-and-meet-new-zealand-in-group-opener/
We'll play them in our first pool match too.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2024/05/10/guinea-win-last-spot-at-olympic-games-and-meet-new-zealand-in-group-opener/
Bonnie’s squad is crazy but I’ve gotta respect the blatant Eastern Suburbs bias 😂.
My squad is exactly the same as Piney’s but with Henry Gray over Kees Sims. They’re much of a muchness though considering Paulsen will play every minute.
LKH is unlucky to miss out but I think Sutton slightly shades him at LB and Hughes the same at CB. If Cacace doesn’t come you’ve gotta pick Sutts and LKH.
So excited for this tournament though. We have so many excellent players now, I can’t wait to see what they can do on the world stage. Ben Old to score vs France, you heard it here first.
My squad is exactly the same as Piney’s but with Henry Gray over Kees Sims. They’re much of a muchness though considering Paulsen will play every minute.
LKH is unlucky to miss out but I think Sutton slightly shades him at LB and Hughes the same at CB. If Cacace doesn’t come you’ve gotta pick Sutts and LKH.
So excited for this tournament though. We have so many excellent players now, I can’t wait to see what they can do on the world stage. Ben Old to score vs France, you heard it here first.
Clearly a lot of people rate Dibley-dias pretty highly but he's barely played a senior game in his career to this point? But most have him starting against what will be some pretty top players.
I can definitely see an argument for an experienced DM like rufer in there
I can definitely see an argument for an experienced DM like rufer in there
Anyone in the know when this squad is likely to be announced?
May not be until after OFC Nations Cup which finishes June 30th from memory
AWs for that tourney to be announced in about a week. Olympics football kicks off 26th July
Or they could I guess name both teams at the same time. The 18/22 man Olywhites ain’t really a hard squad to pick if everyone is available. The question marks are almost more over the over age players, esp Singh & Libby (if Empoli relegated) who’s club futures are bit clouded
I imagine it OFC cup team will be a shadow u23 squad. Dibley-Dias will get his chance to show his worth.
It's a tricky one. Yes OFC Nations Cup would be a very useful dress rehearsal for Paris. But there are valuable FIFA ranking points at play, which was the basis of NZF's about turn to enter the Nations Cup in the first place, are initially not. We remember the 'Horror in Honiara', and Hudson's crew only winning on pens in 2017.
Like a first choice AWs will definitely have alot of U23 players anyway. But other strong Paris candidates like Sims/Gray, Hughes, Sheridan, Sutton, Conchie, OVH are well down the list.
If Dibley-Dias plays in the Nations Cup he will be cap tied. Hopefully he does, but he may wait to after the Olympics and see what happens there. The way Stensness performed in Tokyo obviously got the attention of the Socceroos (yes a smaller footballing nation than D-D's other options of Brazil, England or Portugal).