History for coochiee

imanixsupporter

I read the fact that Crocombe has started 2 on the trot, and the more important semi-final, as saying he is still the recognised #1 as he was before the tournament started, and Paulsen's appearance was a reward for his excellent club season without it necessarily meaning he had moved up the pecking order. The more experienced Crocombe who has been in career best form over the past couple of seasons has still yet to put a foot wrong in a white shirt, why drop him for an inexperienced (albeit hugely promising) youngster now? 

Because you are looking to build combinations ahead of the Olympics. Lets be honest, it would have mattered little had Crocs, AP or my 75 yr old mum been in goal today. Did Crocombe have to make a save??

Today's starting backline - Payne, Surman, Bindon & Cacace - was before Payne's hammy injury a likely Olympics backline. Yet Bindon & Libby have played very little with Paulsen. And given a real strength of Alex's game is his passing from the back, it's important these guys practice that together as much as they can. Chief's Nix had months in pre season to bed that game plan in. Any error will be punished by France, USA or Guinea.

I think Baze made a promise pre the tourney to both keepers, they would get 2 games each. In a way playing in the higher stakes Final, maybe in front of a big home Vanuatu crowd, is the best simulation Alex can have for now of being in goal in France. He didn't get to a U20 WC (Covid cancelled) so he's actually got got very little experience in big international tournaments. I expect him to get the nod for the Final, as useful practice for next month.

And yes it's not that Crocombe has done anything wrong. He has deservedly worked his way into being the AWs no 1 keeper over the last 24 mths. Just that the Final is handy opportunity to prepare for the Olympics.