U17's - Nz or England???

U17's - Nz or England???

Well only 2 hours till kickoff.

I smell a 3-0 win to england and costa nearly scoring a good goal but will skin alot of defenders and have more confidence.

boys boywonder will score 2-0 nz go costa

We will lose to England, although it will be a far better performance from the boys.

at least 2-0 to England (after 8 mins :(  )

... or maybe 4-0 after 30 minutes
phoenix rising2007-08-21 20:30:26

4-0 after 30 minutes, I feel sorry for these guys they are hopelessly out of their depth.

Our defence hasnt got a clue..

This is not good.  We shouldn't be shipping goals like this at any level....

Looks like a nail in the OFC's coffin...

our defense seriously cannot handle runs from the attackers.

How come by the age of twenty we can defend but at 16/17 we're awful ?

jesus - that free header from the free-kick they just missed sums up how awful we are at defending

 ... and Wellington Phoenix get a mention from the UK commentator :)

but Costa Barbarousas  is not having a good game :(

NZ out-paced and lack of commitment?

Godwin Darqwa spent virtually his entire junior and youth time as a striker..... god knows why they have him as a defender.


We look generally ok but as wih the brazilian game cant handle defending against counter attacks.

I blame you, how many of them have you coached ? 

Just about half time.  Any indepth comments from those lucky (?) enough to see the game - I see on Fifa's Matchcast that the possession stats aren't too bad, and they've only had 6 shots on target - are we actually somewhat competitive but forgot to pick a goal keeper?

Our keeper is one of our stand-outs, just left stranded time and time again.

2

Very poor, the defence is woeful they don't appear to have a clue, it makes me wonder what sort of coaching they have been getting.

Our players are  also so far behind the other teams physically it really calls into question how NZ soccer prepares these players as there is no reason why we should not be as strong, as fast and as powerful as the other teams.The guys are getting pushed off the ball like they wern't there.

 

 

In Depth comments?.

We struggle to defend the counter attacks. We lack pace in the central defence spot and also dont track the runners on 1-2's. Apart from that i have to say I have been reasonably impressed with lots we do. Its funny, the scores might suggest otherwise but I think the under 17's are playing better than the under 20's did. Sadly Costa isnt having a great game, hopefully he will be better in the second half. Im probably biased at this point but I think Jacob Mathews is possibly our best player so far. I do think its well within our abilities to score.

I think you re right on the physical side of things. Im guessing that the England players, judging on the clubs they are all signed with get plenty of weight training etc among the football stuff. We do look smaller and less developed.


Hard News2007-08-21 21:05:11

I'm sorry lads but I have made a post re Costa that might upset a few people. But honestly, he has not performed at all on the bigger stage and that worries me. He fluffed a shot in front of goal in a good scoring position, he hit a sh&t corner about 10 yards, he left several passes halfway to his intended recipient.

btw, Colin Murphy is Albert Murphy's son. The former kit man for the Kingz for those of you who knew him

Cheers for the comments all, appreciate them, its frustrating not being able to see these games

Dragon, second half and we are doing well but still scary defending the counter attack. Should have had a penalty too. Costa is doing better

Costa and the rest look much better in this half so far and I think Stack is right, they do want to play a better style of football than some NZ sides I have seen. 

It just doesn't all quite come together often enough.

much more commitment in the second half, altho' NZ still blinded by the 1 - 2 quick passes near the goalmouth

We are playing some lovely stuff from time to time

I will go as far as saying I think we do deserve a goal in this game

Agreed Hn, Costas more involved, definately a pen - shot was on it's way in, defender's arm stops it on  corner of 6 yard box

I'll be amazed if we finish 4-1

well that shot of Costa's deserved to be a goal, what brilliant technique.

lovely shot by McIntyre on the turn ...

If only it was his...

5-0 yet another goal on the break unfortunately.

 .... and the NZ goalkeep does a Lehman special; straight between the legs  - 5-0

5-0?

yeah, a quick breakaway by the Uk, one on one to the goal mouth and then shot thru the keeper's legs .....