All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams
I'm going to lose the f****** plot if Herbert starts Christie in Wellington.
?
I have yet to see anyone saying it's not time for a change.
The arguments seem to be that Ricki should be sacked for not playing the U20 squad and not playing like Spain - at altitude in front of 100000 against a side who are light years better than us. Us 'part time fans' don't think that is a fair assessment.
For the first 30 minutes the plan he used (the right plan) worked and then we made stupid errors. Sure there are a couple of selection questions (for me Ivan should have played in midfield and Siggy should have played ahead of plodder, and I have no idea what the story is with Fitzgerald) but for me the tactics were our only option. The tactics were not for our defenders to fuck up, and I'm sure they were meant to have a more controlled possession when they did win it. Unfortunaely the simple facts are that we are not that good. As Evald sais the sudden expectation that a side who couldn't string three passes together against New Caledonia should suddenly be able to do that against Mexico is laughable.
There are a generation of people that jumped on the bandwagon in 2009 and now think that is the norm. SInce then we have lost Nelsen, Elliot and Brown (our entire competent midfield) and were missing Reid (and to a lesser extent Payne). The nation and a pile of johnny-come-lately football fans have delusions of adequacy about this side and the depth and quality of footballers we have available.
Last time I checked the U20 players people are advocating start achieved exactly what at the U20 world cup? This is real football, not kids football yet people are saying that even though they were poor at the U20 world cup they would have been more competitive than the experienced players we used?
Please.
I see some similarity in the criticisms levelled at Ricki and Holger Osieck. The Socceroos' decline has been partly attributed to Holger's failure to bring young players in to replace the incumbents. Likewise, Ricki might have had more player options against Mexico if some of the youngsters (e.g. Fitzgerald) had been given more chances to prove themselves at senior international level beforehand. Instead, he felt compelled to stick with the likes of Lochead.
Unfortunately, with the All Whites playing so few games, opportunities to blood young players are few and far between, and I suppose you can't blame Ricki for that.
To be honest, I'm not sure I saw anything that resembled "tactics" there on Wednesday. There was no plan to stop Mexico playing, all we did was defend and get rid of the ball - that's not really a tactical approach at all. In the end the most damning criticism is that of Smith himself:
"We dropped far too deep which allowed them too much time on the ball," said captain Tommy Smith. "We were constantly under pressure in that first half - you can never hold out for 90 minutes if you haven't got a touch of the ball. Eventually they will score."
Christie, Ivan etc has been done to death. But I would also really question the selection of Brockie - what was he actually on the pitch to do? He's not a player than can link up in a counter attack, he's a guy that flourishes on scraps. When truly were we expecting him to get even a single opportunity?
In the end we didn't lose solely because of our approach. But it's still fucking disappointing when you see us play the way we did on Wednesday.
Brockie is not an international quality player IMO. Zero goals in 40?? matches says it all. At this level his lack of movement, pace and vision let him down. He can score wonder goals against slack A-League defenses but because he gets no time or space in internationals he is totally ineffective. He was totally invisible against Mexico....he should not start in the Wellington game.
ACFC kid.
And there is no Confederations Cup in 2016 Bluemagic, but to be fair it'd be shocking if you got something right occasionally, so no big news there.
The Confederations Cup is played every four years I understand and so wouldn't that make the next 2016? Correct me if I'm wrong.
You're wrong. The last one was earlier this year.
Brockie is not an international quality player IMO. Zero goals in 40?? matches says it all. At this level his lack of movement, pace and vision let him down. He can score wonder goals against slack A-League defenses but because he gets no time or space in internationals he is totally ineffective. He was totally invisible against Mexico....he should not start in the Wellington game.
Three for me, and two for them.
You're wrong. The last one was earlier this year.
I stand corrected. The Oceania playoffs are in June 2016 and the Confederations Cup is in Russia in June 2017, the year before the World Cup. It's still what we should be targeting with a new coach and all the best young talent.
As an aside I notice that Ryan Nelsen has refused to comment on Herbert's claims he was largely responsible for the good performances at the 2010 WC. This silence speaks volumes. I understand that the best professional players in the AWs ranks don't have much respect for Herbert. If this is true then this could account for his constantly picking familiar old faces like Lochhead, Bertos and even Christie when clearly they're not up to the job. Brockie and Durante also give him familiar grateful faces. You have to wonder how much of the AW selection process is down to loyalty to Herbert and not playing ability? By my reckoning the AWs ran out at the Azteca with effectively 9 players.
Brockie is not an international quality player IMO. Zero goals in 40?? matches says it all. At this level his lack of movement, pace and vision let him down. He can score wonder goals against slack A-League defenses but because he gets no time or space in internationals he is totally ineffective. He was totally invisible against Mexico....he should not start in the Wellington game.
It's a truly dreadful stat really.
Yeah, it's pretty amazing when you think about the players that haven't been given a decent chance versus Brockie's 40 appearances, but I bet Ricki would say.. "Is there anybody better?" ha
ACFC kid.
And there is no Confederations Cup in 2016 Bluemagic, but to be fair it'd be shocking if you got something right occasionally, so no big news there.
The Confederations Cup is played every four years I understand and so wouldn't that make the next 2016? Correct me if I'm wrong.
It's always the year before the World Cup. Think they use it as something as a warmup for the host nation of the World Cup.
So regarding the Media blackout out on arrival, what are people's thoughts? I honestly can't find it being discussed elsewhere, spam threads included.
If they've said there was going to be a press conference then they should have gone through with it. Herbert and a Senior player. "We are plucky NZ, we will fight them on the beaches etc, look at France, blah, blah, good night and god bless". Then stage one later when individuals are rested.
Give players a couple of things to say - "It's great to be back home, we are going to have a rest and refocus, we will talk more at the later press conference"
Not "We've been told we can't talk to the press"?
New Zealanders love, sometimes ad nauseum, their underdog status. To turn up at the airport and appear so petulant is a silly mistake.
So regarding the Media blackout out on arrival, what are people's thoughts?
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
So regarding the Media blackout out on arrival, what are people's thoughts?
meh.
They will give one in due course and will get a grilling no doubt. Hardly worth leading Stuff.
RH on a power trip ....enjoy fella itll be yer last for awhile ....
Poorly handled IMO. They should have anticipated there would be huge interest when they arrived back in Wellington. This is after all the biggest football match in NZ since the Bahrain game....of course there will be huge media numbers at the airport. To come out and say there is a media ban is just stupid. Football hardly gets a look in in NZ...we get our time in the lime light and there is a media ban....Duh!
The tie is lost....whats it going to cost having players stand and talk for 5 minutes at the airport. NZF treat their fans like shit. We get the schedules late, we get team selections late and now we don't get to hear the players reactions when they arrive back in the country. But in the mean time we are expected to fork out for tickets and merchandise.
I can't ever recall a NZ sports team arriving back in the country and having a media ban. F**k you NZ football!!!!!
Just confirmation that NZF has really lost it. Post Wednesday night, NZF will be desperately spruiking for media interviews for next 2 years, as no-one will be interested in national football. Media bans on arrival. Give me a break. A sellout crowd has forked out hard earned dough to support these guys, and are entitled to know the latest AW's oil, 4 days out from leg 2. It's insulting to the public. Again that NZF arrogant streak which they brought home with them from South Africa.
We will know though.
I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often, last thing I'd want to do when getting off a 12-14 hour flight is to hold a press conference straight off the plane.
Where's the "chill pill monster" handing out pills when he is needed?
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
We will know though.
I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often, last thing I'd want to do when getting off a 12-14 hour flight is to hold a press conference straight off the plane.
Where's the "chill pill monster" handing out pills when he is needed?
Where's the "chill pill monster" handing out pills when he is needed?
Where's the "chill pill monster" handing out pills when he is needed?
Think a whole box is required to chill this lot out. Divide amongst yourselves. Brettdale gets first dibs.
Being able to talk to Herbert on the phone this afternoon marked a bizarre U-turn from the All Whites management, who instigated a last-minute media ban on the team at Wellington Airport earlier in the day.
After flying in to the capital from Auckland via Los Angeles this morning, they snubbed the Mexican and local press, despite their original media schedule indicating Herbert and selected players would take questions from reporters.
Following the snub, a New Zealand Football media liaison rang the Herald and said Herbert would be available for a phone interview but wouldn't answer queries surrounding his coaching future and would speak only about last Thursday's game and the upcoming second leg on Wednesday.
"
lols
yung thug
Both TV1 and TV3 led their sports section with the media ban at Wellington airport.....probably not a biggy but for a minority sport trying to make headway in NZ it is not a good look. After Wednesday there will be almost zero coverage of the AW's for a couple of years so why not cash in on any free publicity.
Poorly handled IMO. Dealing with the media comes with the job. Im' sure the team could have nominated a motormouth like Rory who would happily talk to the media for hours, even after a 13 hour flight LOL
You could see why the media were pissed off. The airport stuff was on the official media schedule. They had sent camera crews and reporters out there, the Mexican media were there in numbers as well. Then to instigate a last minute media ban is stupid. At least NZF is consistent...the whole campaign has been a bit of a clusterf**k.....this just adds to it.
Brockie is not an international quality player IMO. Zero goals in 40?? matches says it all. At this level his lack of movement, pace and vision let him down. He can score wonder goals against slack A-League defenses but because he gets no time or space in internationals he is totally ineffective. He was totally invisible against Mexico....he should not start in the Wellington game.
yeah, i looked and about 4/5 goals were a result of Ivans reaction time and speed. Also the major problem with marking at the set piece, especially the second where tommy and Ivan ran into each other allowing the mexicans enough room that 3 of their players could have scored.
Both TV1 and TV3 led their sports section with the media ban at Wellington airport.....probably not a biggy but for a minority sport trying to make headway in NZ it is not a good look. After Wednesday there will be almost zero coverage of the AW's for a couple of years so why not cash in on any free publicity.
Poorly handled IMO. Dealing with the media comes with the job. Im' sure the team could have nominated a motormouth like Rory who would happily talk to the media for hours, even after a 13 hour flight LOL
You could see why the media were pissed off. The airport stuff was on the official media schedule. They had sent camera crews and reporters out there, the Mexican media were there in numbers as well. Then to instigate a last minute media ban is stupid. At least NZF is consistent...the whole campaign has been a bit of a clusterf**k.....this just adds to it.
It was quite dumb of Fallon to say "I can't say much more because BT said I can't"
May not have been as much of an outcry about it if he hadn't.
I've just watched the game again. Our back 4 was a joke. Lochhead was certainly not the worst defender. I know some experts on here thinks that Wee Mac is not up to it but not one player was in the first half.He was a much better player in the 2nd half.
Not only were we technically inferior but the Mexican players had that football nouse, which we lacked.
Anyone that thinks that we can claw back the goal difference on Wednesday is simply kidding themselves.
If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid
how else can you be an NZ football supporter? Then when an occasional delusion comes true, well it's like the broken clock being right twice a day...
Doing media is for the fans. People want and need to hear some positivity. RH knows hes going to get it in the neck so he cancels it - arrogant in the extreme and as usual it's all about him
Normo's coming home
ACFC kid.
And there is no Confederations Cup in 2016 Bluemagic, but to be fair it'd be shocking if you got something right occasionally, so no big news there.
The Confederations Cup is played every four years I understand and so wouldn't that make the next 2016? Correct me if I'm wrong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_FIFA_Confederations_Cup
Next Oceania Nations cup is 2016 - hopefully we can host it.
So lots of tournies to look forward to between now and 2018 World Cup in Russia to develop players and hold our interest:
1. 2015 FIFA u-20 World Cup NZ (only 18 & a 1/2 months to go!!!)
2. 2016 Oceania Nations Cup - June 2016
3. 2017 Confederations Cup - June 2017
Securing some friendlies between mid-2014 and mid 2016 would be good, and must be possible with the TV money from the Mexico qualifier. Don't have to be top-level opponents -anyone in the top 120 or so FIFA nations will do us."
Big Pete 65, Christchurch
how else can you be an NZ football supporter? Then when an occasional delusion comes true, well it's like the broken clock being right twice a day...
"Neasden F.C. are a fictional, spoof football team, the subject of a long-running joke in the British satirical magazine, Private Eye....
Neasden's long-running series of defeats, in which they typically fail to score while conceding goals in double figures, have led to many crises for their manager, the "ashen-faced" Ron Knee for ever "aged 59", who has often been assaulted by the team's only supporters, the husband-and-wife Sid and Doris Bonkers. Perhaps their most famous player is the one-legged goalie, Wally Foot. Their leading scorer was Baldy Pevsner notorious for scoring own goals, and frequently gracing his team's own scoreline with "1 boot". The side are sometimes helped by goals scored by the referee Sid Himmler. The club is owned by Brigadier Buffy Cohen, the local dry cleaning magnate.
The club are based at the Neasden Bridge Stadium, in Neasden, London, and their slogan is "We're on the way to Wembley...You have to go through Neasden to get there". Neasden's arch-rivals in the North Circular Relegation League are Dollis Hill. The wonderfully doom-laden concept of a relegation league may be a metaphor representing the British love of gallant losers, as is Neasden F.C. itself."
Big Pete 65, Christchurch