World Cup Squad Discussion

World Cup Squad Discussion

Horrible discussion, but with NZ qualifying Ricki will have a huge task picking out 25 players for the WC, especially if eligible players like Winston Reid and Tommy Smith put their hand up.

Herbert said hes going to take the 18 in the squad at the moment

But surely if there are significantly better options at the time he would have to consider them?

Surely Moss must be the keeper for our third group pool match, when his ban expires?

He's got the skills and deserves a chance.
(Not to take away anything from Paston though - he's a great keeper too)
Bevan2009-11-15 23:52:25

I'd agree and say Mossy deserves his spot. Is Sigmund banned for the first game? He got two yellows in both legs so hopefully that doesnt equate to anything. I can see reason for Banntyne to be dropped. Would be harsh though

Teza2009-11-16 08:54:01

The WC squad consists of 23 players.

Surely you'd take the 18 currently in the squad, plus Moss.

What is the substitution rules at the world cup? How many on the bench?

We played ping pong well, but the option to change to a fast team playing the ball on the deck with Costa and Leo on the wings, McGLinchley directing traffic and any two of Smeltz/Wood/Fallon/Killen up front would be good.Or 3 across the front with Costa Smeltz Wood...or

Thought Barron did well when he came on. Mulligan might get some game time for the 'Nix soon with Lia and Brown in card trouble? Give him a chance to push a claim for the midfield. Must be the least playing pro-footballer.

When is the squad announced?

Normal substitution rules apply. Everyone not in the starting 11 is on the bench available as a sub.

Moss will go - NZF owes him at least that after the cock-up over his suspension.Whether that is sensible is debatable, but I'm sure he'll be there. He's surely not first choice 'keeper now. Can't drop Bannatyne - who realistically could replace him? - and Barron has never let the Aws down. I can actually see him getting a short-term deal with The Nix before this season's over if a spot is available.

I don't care if it's the lure of World Cup that brings better players back to New Zealand.  If that's what it takes, fine.  Let's put the strongest possible team out that we can.

It's all about the draw. We get a bit of luck there we could surprise a few people.

Agreed. Like I said before, we can't turn away players like Winston Reid if they are keen to play for us.

Same 18, then add Old, Oughton, James, Brockie/Costa, Moss

Should add options in attack with different type of players than currently in our squad, a bit more depth in midfield in wide and central positions and versatility in defence.

I'd forgotten Brockie.

My thinking is the current 18 plus Moss, Brockie, Old, James and Costa.

I'll go with current 18 plus Reid/Oughton, Old, Smyth/James, Moss, Brockie.

I'm having an operation on my knee in January, so with a bit of luck should be back training by the end of Feb.  If I can lose 15 kilos, gain 9 yards of pace, learn to use my right peg and get my fitness levels up to be able to play 90 minutes by the end of March I still fancy myself as an outside chance of making the squad.

Might have already been discussed, but will Daniel be eligible in 7 months time?

Hate to break it to you but he's got a missus and two kids.

Na hes not available untill 2012 i think and anyway if he was available in 7 months ricki wouldnt put him in the team straght away without any games for the team. tomrewi2009-11-16 12:19:40

This.

Have to include the 18 players involved in these 2 legs. Mulligan was pretty useful against the island teams  (scored winner against vanuatu) so should deffenitely be included. Players that have played some part in the qualifiers should get the first look i.e Oughton, James.

Chris James if he can get fit and get his attitude right (Am i right in saying his attitude has been an issue in the past?) then surely he is a must for the squad? Having him as well as McGlinchey would give some good options in attacking minded CMs

except that starting 11
all the rest of 12 players get chance to sit on the beach.
The suspend player must turn up on the pavilion

Only 4 spots left with Ricki announcing that Moss will be going

Moss got banned for 4 games for abusing an official, incredibly harsh.

NZF decided that instead of protesting the ban they would go on a christmas holiday and not even tell Moss the ban had come through. They ran out of time to lodge an appeal and thus Moss was stuck with the ban.

and the appeal should've gone through seeing as he got suspended for more games than Zidane did for his headbutt.

Last time Mulligan played for All Whites I thought he was pretty poor against poor opposition.

You mean against Spain, South Africa and Iraq?

Did he come on against Iraq? Can't remember...

Haha, whoops. I meant in the World Cup Qualifiers.

There is an attempt going on by NZF to get Moss' ban over turned. Fingers crossed they can correct their previous error.

And if the ban was overturned, and Moss was cleared for the WC, would you start him as #1 keeper?

Today.  Paston >>>>> Moss.

Paston is currently solid. On form i would start him ahead of Moss.