The Road To Russia 2018

The Road To Russia 2018 Thread.

I thought about doing this thread but thought it was a bit too early

its a long long way to ...

From the home page: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=11160692

At first I must say that I`m very sad that You don`t promote to Brasil. I watch game in bus when I ride to work. I`ts very sad, but You was weakest.

James, Henderson... more then year ago a write that they should give chance in All White.

If You want go to Russia You must change few things:

- James have right: All What must play more international games with strong opponents

- in All White should play sportsman who play regular in hights level - not in reserve team or in second or amateaur league

- few players should retire and give place younger

It looks so from Poland fan. I`m still with You! And I support You advance!

It's a long road when you're on your own.........Theme song first sentence to First Blood. Still the best Rambo movie.

Potential Squad - (Current age - age in 5 years time)

Goalkeepers

1       Moss 30-35

12     Gleeson 23-28

23     Spoonley 26-31

Centre backs

2       Reid 25-30

5       Smith 23-28

20     Boxall 25-29

4       Fitzgerald 25-29

Fullbacks

6       Tuiloma 18-23

14     Roux 20-25

15     Fenton 20-25

3       Hogg 23-28

Central midfielders

22     Hicks 23-28

18     Payne 19-24

13     James 26-31

8       McGlinchey 26-31

21     Howieson 18-23

Wide midfielders

19     Henderson 26-31

11     Rojas 22-27

7       Barbarouses 23-28

17     Thomas 18-23

Strikers

10     Wood 21-26

16     Brockie 26-31

9       Watson 20-25

Other options

Basalaj 19-24

Durante 31-36

Sigmund 32-37

Bertos 31-36

Keat 26-31

Fallon 31-36

Killen 32-37

Smeltz 32-37

Hogg is in there on the basis of being a natural left-sided defender, but hopefully, like watson he steps up or a better option emerges. Neither Roux or Tuiloma seemed entirely comfortable on their left side on Wednesday, and Smith probably has to play centrally.

You forgot Vicelich.

We keep hearing how NZF must put a programme in place for the All Whites in the lead up to the ONC, then Confeds Cup, then World Cup.

True, but it will be expensive which means two other things MUST happen:

1. Public support for home games. We simply can't afford to be bringing teams to NZ to play in front of only 10-12,000 people. The NZ public needs to turn out for any home games, regardless of the opposition.

2. The players have to make themselves available. The investment is in them so they have to be available to make it worthwhile. And it's the games in NZ in particular (the most difficult games for the Euro based players to get to) that they must front up for (see point 1).

My point is this can't all be on NZF. The players, the public and NZF all need to work together to make a programme worthwhile.

I don't think lack of strikers will be a huge problem. Yes we will be hugely reliant on Wood but as long as he is there we should be fine. If we have Rojas and Barbarouses on the wings then really we only need one striker.

Don't forget this guy...

http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/categories/kiwi-players-overseas/topics/judd-baker-swansea-city-u18

Boomshakalaka! Striking problems solved.

I'm hoping Tommy Smith is made Captain by the new coach.

maybe nelsen will get a call up too?

Smith is a leader for sure, his keeping track of his man in tight spots is a work in progress (admittedly, when offered little cover by two makeshift DMs.)

we could be more optimistic age wise and note this will all occur for us in 2017 really..:>)

We have not took advantage after 1974-1982. Currently we have players who play wery goods in Europe`s clubs. But this same player`s they do not put hearts to play in national team. I`t shame!

To Mainland FC.

Pogoń Szczecin? You are Pole?

To Russia with Love? Book in a 14 day stay in a Salt Mine as a side trip? Witness first hand racial prejudice as the locals target non aryian Russians/Ukranians/????

Sergio Batista was rumoured today on Fox Sports

Actually five years time would take you to Dec. 2018 six months after the June 2018 World Cup.

Our next significant tournament is the 2016 Oceania Nations Cup June 2016 which also doubles as World Cup qualifiers - that's actually only two & a half years away!!! Then Confederatons Cup Russia  June 2017.

So, just add 2 & a 1/2 years to current ages e.g Smeltz would only be 34, Moss 33 etc. So most of those on your list would still be in the frame.

Some of those older blokes will still be useful to have in the squad looking at that time frame, whilst some will fall by the wayside.

There's going to be a phase where some of the older players especially strikers like Killen, Fallon, Smeltz  are still used the next couple of years and then hand over to some younger guns.

I'd add STUART HOLTHUSEN from the NZ u-17's to the list as a potential striker - he was our best player by far in the UAE, whilst Rufer and Ridenton were pretty anonymous.

Zac Speedy from the u-17's looked a promising young keeper.

Other potential keepers: Michael O'Keefe, age 23 (Ocean City Nor'Easters, USA) - currently trialing in the UK; Stefan Marinovic, age 22 (German second tier 1860 Munich reserve team)

Others apprentice pros who may or may not make it: Judd Baker, 17 years - Swansea City u-18's; Rhys Jordan, 19 years - Bristol City u-21's midfielder

Rufer Rufer