The final 26 Panel for WC. PEOPLE'S PICK

austin111

I heard the Hall comment too. If its true i would take Hall 100%. Excellent defender and a lot younger than Boxall and Smith.
I would take Herdman first and Des next for the WC.Baze is a journeyman coach who has done an ok job in qualifying. Oceania is his level. But i dont think he is capable of taking an excellent squad to a higher level. Herdman has done very well at a high level. Wont happen, NZF will go for mediocrity. 

I don't know how much NZF get just for turning up, but I'd spunk a wad of Ed Hillarys on the best coach I can. Like Aussie had Hiddink. Do everything possible to get out of the group, and win more prize money. 

If you're talking about a replacement, why limit to those who have been here on a working OE? (Aside from the wholehearted embrace of mediocrity).

Dan Hall is better than Surman, Smith, Stanger......it sounds like a slip of the tongue, though. 

You suspect there could be a bit of a cod factor with Herdman. 

Telling Pragnell he was keen to sign on as AWs coach, bar some family health factor to deal with. His involvement with Dronegate. Upsetting the Croatians at the WC, giving them motivation to wipe Canada 4-1.

He's likely a quality coach, but risky I'd say appointing him now a year out from the WC. He'd likely want too much coin anyway for NZF. The AWs seem pretty settled. Bazeley maybe a bit of a journeyman, but he's likeable and the players seem to have quite a bit of power, which they probably like.

In international football the coach doesn't get much time with the squad. With Herdman you risk bringing in someone who wants to stamp his mark, make lots of changes, and that unsettles the squad. He's been away from the NZ football scene for quite a while now. And what if he wanted to pick his son Jay!

Des very different. Knows alot of the players, and seems to have no ego. Unlikely to make much tweeking of the squad. And remembering his selfless attitude with the U20s back in 2018/2019 of paying for his own travel to check out various U20 WC prospects overseas, feel the money not so important to him.

May have the above all wrong. But I'd say a firm No to Herdman, however a firm Yes to Des if NZF wanted to head in that direction 12 months out. It's an unlikely scenario though, changing the coach now. Not very Kiwi.
 

Rusty Dunks

austin111

I heard the Hall comment too. If its true i would take Hall 100%. Excellent defender and a lot younger than Boxall and Smith.
I would take Herdman first and Des next for the WC.Baze is a journeyman coach who has done an ok job in qualifying. Oceania is his level. But i dont think he is capable of taking an excellent squad to a higher level. Herdman has done very well at a high level. Wont happen, NZF will go for mediocrity. 

I don't know how much NZF get just for turning up, but I'd spunk a wad of Ed Hillarys on the best coach I can. Like Aussie had Hiddink. Do everything possible to get out of the group, and win more prize money. 

If you're talking about a replacement, why limit to those who have been here on a working OE? (Aside from the wholehearted embrace of mediocrity).

Dan Hall is better than Surman, Smith, Stanger......it sounds like a slip of the tongue, though. 

If Dan Hall (age 25) was unquestionably better than Surman (21) he wouldn't still be playing in the ALM. But yes Hall would be a great pick up for the AWs if he's eligible.

A few years ago when Reid stopped playing & Tuiloma's MLS career faded, things weren't looking great re AWs's future CB stocks. How quickly it's changed.

Corica to Nix in 2026/27 looking for a new challenge, Baze to replace him at AFC

LT01

Friar Tuck

Not players, but both ‘top picks’ from the failed manager hunt - Des Buckingham and John Herdman - are free agents.

Des is in NZ at the moment, and Herdman just received a formal admonishment from Canada Soccer for his involvement in the drone scandal. Notably, he’s been handed no fine or suspension.

Baze might feel a bit hard done by if it happened, but surely NZF have to at least try to bring one of them in as head coach.

In my eyes, Baze has done a serviceable job with a very talented squad, but has failed to get them performing at the level they’re capable of. We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo, and could’ve played much better against Greece, USA, Mexico, Egypt, Australia and Sweden.

I just think if they’re both available, NZF would be negligent to not at least try their luck.

"We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo"

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Did you watch the games?

We finished the Ireland match the stronger of the 2 teams. It was far from a full strength Irish side, but in the 2nd half the AWs were impressive. Singh pulling the strings.

Then is Sarpreet converts his pen, is a good chance we beat Tunisia, which based on rankings alone would have been impressive.

The Congo game I don't remember anything apart from Wood's pen.

But basically more than the results, is the lack of goals against the bigger teams. 
Only 3 goals in the last 8 games (excl weak Malaysia) against non OFC teams. Of those 3 goals, one off Waine's face and one a Wood pen. Only Garbett's nice team goal to really get excited about. Wood has yes missed half of those 8 games? And no one apart from him is consistently scoring at any decent club level. Kosta the next best

But that's how Bazeley will be defined over the next 12 months. Can he figure out a plan/setup, where the AWs score some goals against tough opposition.
 

Its true that we have lots of depth with many players full professionals. But how much quality is there really compared to the last two NZ WC squads?. IMO Reid, Nelson, Rufer, Vilicich, Elliot, Paston, Sumner would walk into the current starting eleven. Wood and Libby would be the only sure starters from the current lot in a  NZ WC dream team.

A lot can happen in 4 years, but I think the 2030 AWs will be stronger than the 2026 squad. 

Lots of guys currently in age range 20-25 years, who will be nearer their peaks in 2030. 

Youngsters Paulsen, Bindon, Surman, Old, Stamenic will all be nearer their peak in 5 years, compared to now. A high quality right back may even have emerged by centennial World Cup.

Even that large 2019 U20 cohort, who will be around age 30 in 2030 should on average be better players. Smith & Boxall should be replaced seamlessly. 

Where Wood is at, and whether an useful striker alternative(s) has emerged, will be the great unknown. But he's stated he wants to continue playing as long as possible (1-2 ALM seasons prior 2030?), and should still be high quality by NZ standards at age 38 then.

So yeah in reality next year's 1st XI may not be much better quality wise than 1982 & 2010 - but the gap should be more apparent in 2030. 1982 and 2010 were both very experienced squads (Reid, Smith & Wood excluded in Sth Africa). Next year's bunch will be younger on average.

Oh and even a Portugal 2nd tier Sarpreet Singh likely walks into a NZ WC dream team. We have never had a player with his rare vision in our history. Dependent yes a bit on the dream team setup/shape.

My AW WC dream team with five at the back
                  Paston 
Bertos Reid Vilicich Nelson Libby
           Singh Elliot Sumner
               Wood Rufer         

Jessie Merino

ballane

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

I hope those selecting the team arnt as close minded to selecting players as you seem to be. If some young player comes out of the woodwork and has a breakout season demanding selection would much rather he get chosen than some of the older guys. Just because they are young dosnt mean they cant be effective at a World Cup. There have been any number of young footballers who have taken the chance given to them at a World Cup no reason at all to say why a Kiwi couldnt do the same thing.

W Rufer being the prime example, coming into the training group a few months out of school and halfway thru WC qualifying then showing the old heads first up what they were missing. " He was arrogant, he was naive, and he was bloody terrific". John Adshead. " His performance at that first session was incredible. He ran the defenders ragged. He was fit, strong and full of himself. It was magic.". Sam Malcolmson.

Wood, Smith and Reid were all kids pretty much at the 2010 WC.

austin111

My AW WC dream team with five at the back
                  Paston 
Bertos Reid Vilicich Nelson Libby
           Singh Elliot Sumner
               Wood Rufer         

Paston was not a great keeper - Moss' misfortune is the only reason he got a look in. Solid yes, but not great. I would take Paulsen or Cromcombe over him happily.

Bertos was never a RWB - one good cross at a corner isn't good enough. Payne is a far better player. 

Elliot is a yes... but outside of that, this is probably the most debateable area... Thomas, Bell, Singh, Stamenic, Vicelich are all in there as options along with Sumner. 

Forwards - can't argue. So my dream 11 is...
                            Paulsen (he will be #1 by tournament time)
         Payne Reid Nelsen Smith Libby
                          Vicelich Elliot
                              Thomas
                            Wood Rufer

Anyone got the time or ability to do a poll like
5-6 Options for each position. 
See where the fever lands when putting it all together.
Do one now, 6 months out, 3 months out to see how or thinking evolves

austin111

My AW WC dream team with five at the back
                  Paston 
Bertos Reid Vilicich Nelson Libby
           Singh Elliot Sumner
               Wood Rufer         

 not sure about Paston. Wilson and Van Hattum were good keepers and could equally do a job I would think, heck, maybe even Barry Pickering

dick le roc returns

austin111

My AW WC dream team with five at the back
                  Paston 
Bertos Reid Vilicich Nelson Libby
           Singh Elliot Sumner
               Wood Rufer         

 not sure about Paston. Wilson and Van Hattum were good keepers and could equally do a job I would think, heck, maybe even Barry Pickering

It's a World Cup dream XI. Did Barry Pickering go to a World Cup?

Also begs the question how do you pick such a team. Is it based on solely their performances at a WC, or their overall careers?

If it's just WC performances (a sample of only 6 games) Paston bolts in. For a few weeks in Sth Africa in 2010 the guy was on fire.

And if it is just WC performances to date I'd go Steve Woodin ahead of Wood. You wouldn't pick Singh or Libby either.

Jazzy Jeff

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

At this point in time I think this is the squad, except that for squad vibes reasons Sail will go instead of Sims (unless his progress at GAIS means he has to be 1st or 2nd choice), and Rogerson drops out for either:

coochiee

dick le roc returns

austin111

My AW WC dream team with five at the back
                  Paston 
Bertos Reid Vilicich Nelson Libby
           Singh Elliot Sumner
               Wood Rufer         

 not sure about Paston. Wilson and Van Hattum were good keepers and could equally do a job I would think, heck, maybe even Barry Pickering

It's a World Cup dream XI. Did Barry Pickering go to a World Cup?

Also begs the question how do you pick such a team. Is it based on solely their performances at a WC, or their overall careers?

If it's just WC performances (a sample of only 6 games) Paston bolts in. For a few weeks in Sth Africa in 2010 the guy was on fire.

And if it is just WC performances to date I'd go Steve Woodin ahead of Wood. You wouldn't pick Singh or Libby either.

I believe he was part of the Espana 82 squad and assumed he travelled, certainly was the 3rd keeper for the campaign prior. 

Why all the love around here for Dibley-Dias? 

He hasn't shown us much at all to really justify being in the AWs ahead of other possibles.

Marto

Why all the love around here for Dibley-Dias? 

He hasn't shown us much at all to really justify being in the AWs ahead of other possibles.

Lots of potential, on the books at a Premier League club (if only u21s), plays a position we don’t have much depth in.

He’s one for the future rather than the present, but how often do you see kiwis captaining a premier league reserve side and making the senior bench at 21.

Not sure what love you're referring to, but after Bell, Rufer, Stamenic, Thomas and Garbett - who are the other possible CMs? 

Lewis if he's cleared and gets up to speed, Conchie/Howieson who are bit-part A-League CMs, the defenders Chiefy has been playing out of position in midfield, anyone else?

Oska

Not sure what love you're referring to, but after Bell, Rufer, Stamenic, Thomas and Garbett - who are the other possible CMs? 

Lewis if he's cleared and gets up to speed, Conchie/Howieson who are bit-part A-League CMs, the defenders Chiefy has been playing out of position in midfield, anyone else?

Pretty much on the money, except you are doing Howieson a bit of a disservice. 

He's often forgotten about in WC discussions, but has a tonne of experience and still getting mins for the best team in the ALM. Likely a regular starter if he was at the Nix. Corica brought him on at HT for Mata in Brisbane. I presume that was tactical.

Is Jay Herdman a CM?  Canadian league starts this weekend. But he'll need a MLS club or get himself to Europe in enter AWs discussions.

Lachlan Bayliss is though perhaps not too far off.


Edit - Jazzy's 23 looks very close to how Bazeley would pick a squad now. But yes alot can happen between now and June next year. The likes of Sims, de Vries, Roux, Bindon, Old, Rogerson have all greatly advanced their prospects in the last 6-18 months. Others outside the above 23 could easily do similar.

Jazzy Jeff

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

This is pretty much "my" team - aside from Waine in for Rogerson. I'd be very surprised if this wasn't the squad, baring injury. 

EDIT: I can see Oli Sail going, now I think about it

Rusty Dunks

Jazzy Jeff

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

This is pretty much "my" team - aside from Waine in for Rogerson. I'd be very surprised if this wasn't the squad, baring injury. 

EDIT: I can see Oli Sail going, now I think about it

That team is looking more and more likely bar injuries. 

Thomas ramping up well, two full games in a row.
I think Mata could sneak in, depending on the mix of strikers they want.
Will they try and find place for Smith?? Who would miss out?

Our top team is looking like...

x
Croc
x - Payne,  x - Surman, x - Bindon,  Cacace
x - Bell
x - Stamenic, Thomas, Singh, Old
x - Wood. 

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

Jazzy Jeff

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

This is pretty much "my" team - aside from Waine in for Rogerson. I'd be very surprised if this wasn't the squad, baring injury. 

EDIT: I can see Oli Sail going, now I think about it

That team is looking more and more likely bar injuries. 

Thomas ramping up well, two full games in a row.
I think Mata could sneak in, depending on the mix of strikers they want.
Will they try and find place for Smith?? Who would miss out?

Our top team is looking like...

x
Croc
x - Payne,  x - Surman, x - Bindon,  Cacace
x - Bell
x - Stamenic, Thomas, Singh, Old
x - Wood. 

swap Bell fore Rufer and I think youre onto a winner.

I’m loving the turn around in form McCowart is having, during the the WCQ he just didn’t seem to be “involved” almost like a fish out of water, now he’s starting week in, getting assists and scoring goals. So I know he was only just back from injury and his season hadn’t started….. or had only just started? So was his WCQ performances a case of a bit of rust or being cautious due to only having g recently come back from injury, OR did the formation/ position of the team not suit his style or how he’s use to playing?
And if it’s a case of position formation and he’s one of our players playing regularly at a high level, do the coaching staff need to work on things to get the best out of our players at higher levels?

Yipe he’d definitely only just returned from injury back in March. His scoring record for the AWs is actually pretty solid. Certainly better than longer term players like Kosta and Rojas.

Who knows on the formation piece. It’s taken him most of the season at Denmark to get to this hot scoring and assist run. That’s hours and hours on the training paddock with his Silkeborg team mates. You never get that time as a team at international level, esp when you are flying 20+ hours like the AWs to play at home.

coochiee

Yipe he’d definitely only just returned from injury back in March. His scoring record for the AWs is actually pretty solid. Certainly better than longer term players like Kosta and Rojas.

Who knows on the formation piece. It’s taken him most of the season at Denmark to get to this hot scoring and assist run. That’s hours and hours on the training paddock with his Silkeborg team mates. You never get that time as a team at international level, esp when you are flying 20+ hours like the AWs to play at home.

I do feel out of everyone we have available he for me is probably our best option as a wood replacement should wood need a rest or I think someone mentioned he could be expecting a child (shark I hope I have t dreamt that )

Wood’s new born will arrive well before the June window, but he may still skip those Toronto games especially if Forest qualify for Europe.

An uninterrupted pre season with Forest last year (didn’t go to Nations Cup or the Olympics) has seemed to work a treat.

Paulsen for starting keeper.

I’m personally a Crocombe fan, but I think the starting keeper spot will be decided by 2 things, 1) where Alex goes to next season (reports being hibs) and 2) if he makes that starting spot his. Once he’s proven above ALM going to be a lot harder not to choose him as your number one…… assuming that Simms doesn’t get snatched up by a championship club and gets the number one spot…… regardless exciting times ahead for us kiwi football fans

Max’s contract with Burton expires this year and the team is still on the cusp of relegation, so where he is playing  and at what level is still up to debate as well 

It is Crocombe until he puts a foot wrong. Paulsen isn't going to be playing at a dramatically higher level next season and he is still green. Crocombe is massively experienced and reliable and has strengths that Paulsen does not. You want experience on the biggest occasions. Paulsen's time will come, it isn't a big deal if it isn't before this World Cup.

There is every chance that Crocombe has an off day over the next 12 months and Paulsen grabs his chance then and takes it with both hands, but this isn't something that needs to be prematurely forced.  

Old and Thomas can be like new signings they haven't been seen or regular for so long which is great.

Singh and Just aren't playing in leagues of the same level, both are in a second division. Singh's qualities in the 10 though are so unique and unlike anything else we have.

imanixsupporter

It is Crocombe until he puts a foot wrong. Paulsen isn't going to be playing at a dramatically higher level next season and he is still green. Crocombe is massively experienced and reliable and has strengths that Paulsen does not. You want experience on the biggest occasions. Paulsen's time will come, it isn't a big deal if it isn't before this World Cup.

There is every chance that Crocombe has an off day over the next 12 months and Paulsen grabs his chance then and takes it with both hands, but this isn't something that needs to be prematurely forced.  

It's Crocombe all day long, as you say - unless he has a loss of form, which can happen......Paulsen needs to work on his distribution and his aggression in the box. Burton Albion are fighting to avoid relegation, and have been in good form lately. 

Form now does not dictate who gets the spot come WC time. Look at Moss and Paston for example... changes happen.

No one in the 11 should be guaranteed a spot based on past performances. It should be based on form and potential to make a difference.  It's why I'd pick an injured WOOD, but not Mata if returning from injury etc.

Both need to earn the right to be the number 1 come the first game.

Been an interesting end to uk and start re-start to the European season, Thomas, McCowart, Bell all in great form, Bindon an amazing season same as Wood. Stamenic getting minutes and doing well, Libby putting in the hard yards even though his team isn’t great.
Then across in the states both Surman and Boxall are having huge seasons so far.
I think Just has just come back from injury but need to see more from him and Garbet and Waine need new teams and minutes.
But I feel excited about our upcoming fixtures and hope that soon Thomas feels ready to put his hand up and come back into the fold

YellowAndBlack

Been an interesting end to uk and start re-start to the European season, Thomas, McCowart, Bell all in great form, Bindon an amazing season same as Wood. Stamenic getting minutes and doing well, Libby putting in the hard yards even though his team isn’t great.
Then across in the states both Surman and Boxall are having huge seasons so far.
I think Just has just come back from injury but need to see more from him and Garbet and Waine need new teams and minutes.
But I feel excited about our upcoming fixtures and hope that soon Thomas feels ready to put his hand up and come back into the fold

I think Garbett still makes the squad but shouldn't be starting until he gets a new club. 

Thomas to come back when he's ready.

Could we play a back 3 like the last WC. Bindon, Boxall and Surman? 

Elemenop

YellowAndBlack

Been an interesting end to uk and start re-start to the European season, Thomas, McCowart, Bell all in great form, Bindon an amazing season same as Wood. Stamenic getting minutes and doing well, Libby putting in the hard yards even though his team isn’t great.
Then across in the states both Surman and Boxall are having huge seasons so far.
I think Just has just come back from injury but need to see more from him and Garbet and Waine need new teams and minutes.
But I feel excited about our upcoming fixtures and hope that soon Thomas feels ready to put his hand up and come back into the fold

I think Garbett still makes the squad but shouldn't be starting until he gets a new club. 

Thomas to come back when he's ready.

Could we play a back 3 like the last WC. Bindon, Boxall and Surman? 

Who rounds out your starting 11 if we played with 3 at back?

YellowAndBlack

Elemenop

YellowAndBlack

Been an interesting end to uk and start re-start to the European season, Thomas, McCowart, Bell all in great form, Bindon an amazing season same as Wood. Stamenic getting minutes and doing well, Libby putting in the hard yards even though his team isn’t great.
Then across in the states both Surman and Boxall are having huge seasons so far.
I think Just has just come back from injury but need to see more from him and Garbet and Waine need new teams and minutes.
But I feel excited about our upcoming fixtures and hope that soon Thomas feels ready to put his hand up and come back into the fold

I think Garbett still makes the squad but shouldn't be starting until he gets a new club. 

Thomas to come back when he's ready.

Could we play a back 3 like the last WC. Bindon, Boxall and Surman? 

Who rounds out your starting 11 if we played with 3 at back?

I don't think we will. But thinking how we get all our best players on.

I think our top XI with everyone fit is.

xCroc
xPayne/Roux   XSurman/Boxall   xBindon    xLibby
                   xBell     xThomas
                           XStam
            xOld                    xSingh
                       xWood

Elemenop

YellowAndBlack

Elemenop

YellowAndBlack

Been an interesting end to uk and start re-start to the European season, Thomas, McCowart, Bell all in great form, Bindon an amazing season same as Wood. Stamenic getting minutes and doing well, Libby putting in the hard yards even though his team isn’t great.
Then across in the states both Surman and Boxall are having huge seasons so far.
I think Just has just come back from injury but need to see more from him and Garbet and Waine need new teams and minutes.
But I feel excited about our upcoming fixtures and hope that soon Thomas feels ready to put his hand up and come back into the fold

I think Garbett still makes the squad but shouldn't be starting until he gets a new club. 

Thomas to come back when he's ready.

Could we play a back 3 like the last WC. Bindon, Boxall and Surman? 

Who rounds out your starting 11 if we played with 3 at back?

I don't think we will. But thinking how we get all our best players on.

I think our top XI with everyone fit is.

xCroc
xPayne/Roux   XSurman/Boxall   xBindon    xLibby
                   xBell     xThomas
                           XStam
            xOld                    xSingh
                       xWood

its a really good line up, probably the only change I’d make would be McCowart in for Singh just based purely on the form McCowart seems to be in playing at a higher level basically in that position 

Randall a bolter? Was very impressed with how he took his late chance against Perth and his general all round play and performance. 

A more direct player than Sarpreet.