For those who watched the whole thing, what formation did we set up in? Was clearly 4 at the back during the little bits I caught but couldn't tell the makeup of the front 6 and who was where
For those who watched the whole thing, what formation did we set up in? Was clearly 4 at the back during the little bits I caught but couldn't tell the makeup of the front 6 and who was where
Waine Old, Barbarouses, Just Howieson, Rufer
Or
Waine, Barbarouses Old, Howieson, Rufer, Just
whichever you prefer. Old/Barbarouses/Just interchanged a little bit
Good to see Paulsen and Bindon now locked in for NZ.
Doesn't it need to be 3 competitive games? Which they should get in this tourney anyway. Also don't forget Surman as well (Welsh heritage)
I think a single appearance at either the World Cup or a Continental Finals (which this OFC Nations Cup is) cap ties you, otherwise it's more than 3 non world cup or continental finals matches to cap tie you
thanks for this. At times I was looking at it thinking "is Barbarouses playing in a midfield 3?" 4-2-3-1 makes more sense. Interesting to see Just out on the right more, he has previously been a fixture on the left, but seems that is Old's position now andrewvoerman
imanixsupporter
For those who watched the whole thing, what formation did we set up in? Was clearly 4 at the back during the little bits I caught but couldn't tell the makeup of the front 6 and who was where
Waine Old, Barbarouses, Just Howieson, Rufer
Or
Waine, Barbarouses Old, Howieson, Rufer, Just
whichever you prefer. Old/Barbarouses/Just interchanged a little bit
Wasn't overly impressed with Old today but that was one of the best games I've seen Just play. Mata was invisible when he came on but I guess that was due to a lack of service from the midfield.
Feeling vindicated, knew the boys would find it easy in this tournament. A few on here were worried we would struggle.
There will be more difficult games ahead. As Mrs M said the way the Solomons play always falls nicely into the AWs hands. That futsal background, all out attack they love, not that structured in defence, vulnerable to well organised opposition. We have beat them easily, the last few times we have played them.
Vanuatu, Tahiti and Fiji will all be tougher opponents. All with foreign coaches who will have them better structured on D.
Wasn't overly impressed with Old today but that was one of the best games I've seen Just play. Mata was invisible when he came on but I guess that was due to a lack of service from the midfield.
Yes. Still think Old would be best served with another A league season and first team game time to continue his development particularly his link up play and decision making around the box. He's not going to develop those skills sitting on a bench in Europe.
AWs play Vanuatu on Friday, with a good 6 day break before the semi finals next Thursday. Bazeley might as well make wholesale changes to the starting 11, as AWs already into the semis. Libby will be available, and possibly Tommy Smith if he has already arrived from Wood's wedding
Means 2nd spot in Group B is could well to be decided on GD, if as expected home team Fiji tonight beat Samoa and then on Saturday Fiji beat Tahiti, plus PNG beat Samoa.
Wonder if Fiji looking in good form (5-1 & 9-1 wins) will influence Bazeley's thoughts for the Vanuatu game, ie be strongly motivated to get a result against Vanuatu so as to avoid Fiji (1st in Pool B) in the semis. A win or draw for the AWs will see them finish 1st in Pool A, and Vanuatu to host Fiji.
If Bazeley starts all the kids (LK-H, OVH, Conchie, Randall) against Vanuatu increased danger of a loss, and so a semi against the Fijians - who admittedly won't be as strong when the have to leave home, for Vanautu after the pool stages.
Both teams may rest a few for the semis next Thursday. I think AWs could find it tough today. A narrow 1-0 win or draw wouldn't surprise. Though Libby should help create a few chances.
Friday’s clash will decide who finishes top of group A but the pressure is off as both teams have already qualified for the semifinals by the virtue of winning their first matches. That should give All Whites coach Darren Bazeley a chance to rotate his squad before the knockout stages, which could mean first starts for Olympic hopefuls Fin Conchie, Jesse Randall, Lukas Kelly-Heald and Oskar van Hattum. Captain Liberato Cacace will come back into contention after missing the first game due to suspension. The All Whites’ only need to draw to top the group but they should win comfortably.
What they said
Tony Readings (All Whites assistant coach): “We were at their first game against the Solomon Islands and the crowd is amazing here, loud and very patriotic. They want their team to win and we know that’s going to be a big factor. We’re going to come up against 11 players on the field but when you talk about a 12th man, that’s the reality in Vanuatu.”
