NZ v Gambia

Technique was not good overall.  First time control let us down at times. Ball put out too often for mine. Also an inability to pass quickly and accurately along the ground especially in first half.  Competition for the ball was good; no lack of effort.  Gambia better in first half and did not do much after the break so a draw was possible (but not achieved).

not enuf flair 2 compete at the top level players like keats?? rubbish even gambia gng 4ward look more dangerous but i think theyve done well and given it everything but feel sorry for them playing giovanni dos santos if he plays

Not enough belief in their own abilities or that of their team Mates. On the few occasions they were adventurous ie following their pass, forward runs, dribbling it looked promising. Need to do that more often. Might mean a few big losses but we will never improve if keep playing the type of football that our national sides play burmac2007-07-06 21:09:12

maybe it could be time to play Brockie as a wide midfielder...Draper is proving to be excellant (Sign him up Mr Herbert)

please not brockie

I think the Under 20s (and most NZ representative teams for that matter) have a big problem with ball retention.  It may be nerves, or lack of confidence or they may just lack the skills to hold onto it but it seemed to me they just give the ball away far too easily with poor control or wayward passes.  The midfielders (or centrebacks) would receive the ball and their first look up or option would be to pump a big high long ball forward, which never worked as the Gambians just outjumped our forwards and headed it away.  Even when Draper hit the crossbar it came from a situation like this. 

Pichichi2007-07-07 07:19:43

Ball retention is definately a problem, getting knocked off the ball alot too. I guess maybe the difference between doing this fulltime with fulltime professional coaches and squads and just competeing more often at this kind of level.

Stu Jacobs interview http://www.radiosport.co.nz/ThisWeek/61745.wma

The crosses from Keating were excellent, setting up several attempts.
Draper, Henderson were decent, but need another metre of speed and strength. Brokie has the speed, obviously gets to the ball, just needs time in front of the goal. Boxall has the strength but needs practice with the ball and long line of orange cones.
Cross fingers for Mexico, takes some chances lads, move forward together when you can. Make some luck. And for heaven sakes get a contract and some regular professional football.

Keating has been an absolute aboration!!! Oops I mean Keatsy!!! He quite possibly has worked his way into the starting position and captain of the tournaments worst eleven!!!