Nuno_Miguel_Prata_Coelho

This Fever thread clears up a lot about him:

http://forums.yellowfever.co.nz/categories/kiwi-players-overseas/topics/where-are-they-now-other-kiwis-oversea/page/2

Seems unlikely he'd be eligible, having been capped for Portugal at u-19 level when he didn't have NZ citizenship - and this thread points to his NZ relatives maybe not being close enough to qualify him (needs to be a NZ parent) since he wasn't born here (born in Portugal).

Have the feeling it's close, but no cigar...

all hinges on his mother being born here

Does he need to have had citizenship when he played for Portugal, or just have been eligible for citizenship?

 

was under the assumption that as long as he was eligible to play for NZ when he represented Portugal at junior level, then it was okay.

Not sure Tommy Smith or WeeMac were citizens before they switched to NZ

Indeed. Just needs ma to be a kiwi

So some guy with an exotic sounding name who nobody has never seen play and has not actually played at a decent level is the answer? Come on guys, at least let's get people who want to play for NZ and could accurately find it on a map. We need more depth but this is straw clutching at it's worst.

I think it doesn't matter - if they are eligible to play for NZ and they're playing professionally anywhere in the world - they're worth a look.
let's not forget Winston Reid wasn't exactly setting the world on fire before he was 'discovered' by YF!

And you defo do not make Spanish youth sides unless you have quality.

If he does truely have a NZ connection we would be mugs not to look at him.

Ricki has some time his hands. Send him over there ASAP. 

I think its more about bringing it to Herbert's attention as much as anything. I'm sure Ricki wants a quality defensive midfielder as much as the rest of us. Its not like he has a favourite who will be displaced in that position.

I'm sure someone mentioned he was involved with the u20's when he was younger or something similar. Could be mistaken.

Either way, worth investigating. It really is a mute point, DM playing in a decent European league, NZ in need of a decent DM.

Do the Math people.

Call him and ask.

Id be incredibly surprised if NZF dont check this section of the forum regularly. Its common knowledge within the footballing community that you guys have been pretty much solely responsible for 'uncovering' the likes of Rojas and Reid

Rojas??? I'm pretty sure he was playing in the ASB premiership and then for the Phoenix!!!

At least Winston Reid was a New Zealander though.

I think you give them way to much credit, they still function by fax on important matters and probably do not have the Internet in their office yet. In all seriousness where does this fax thing come from? Is it standard operating procedure by FIFA or something? Anyone here in the know?

I repeat, has anyone seen him play? Do we know if he is a regular? Does he even care about NZ?

yeah well put. a lot people getting a little uptight at us wanting to make enquiries about a player. sorry guys. 

and it's more fun than the manaf alshamsi thread :0

got my back? ha. kidding. good idea

Didn't realise there was a Wikipedia search function for "Desperately seeking remotest connection to NZ to play football for us". My understanding of Kiwi Players Overseas is actual Kiwis playing football outside of NZ, not I hope this guy who stayed with his cousin one summer really will prove to be better than Maradona

I can't be bothered...

Why so much hate? Come on people, this is exciting - He probably doesn't realize that he can even play for NZ (if eligible, touch wood). He's not getting into the Portugal national side, with all due respect, so wouldn't he jump at the opportunity to play for the All Whites at a WC. Worth a few enquiries if you ask me! 

But where is the evidence that his mum is from New Zealand? 

That's what we're working on...It's been a long standing rumour. Trying to settle it once and for all

Surely an idea is to find as many quality players that qualify for NZ. It worked for Jack Charlton's Irish sides of the 90's. They got players too 'shit' for England, they represented Ireland and they did very well at World Cup level. I know there will be many less NZ qualified players compared to Irish, but anything that can be done to help the team and NZ football the better. Last thing we need is to face Mexico in a play-off with our current midfield and Ricki's idea on playing strikers all over the pitch

Needs to (a) Have NZ nationality and (b)have a NZ-born biological parent or grandparent

Relevant FIFA Statutes:

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/01/29/85/71/fifastatuten2010_e.pdf

(page 64 on)

I'm not clear whether 'international match" below includes youth internationals.

This is the statute which to me seems to limit his chances due to having played for Poprtugal at u-19 level:

"  2. With the exception of the conditions specified in article 18 below, any Player who has already participated in a match (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category or any type of football for one Association may not play an international match for a representative team of another Association."

From article 18:

" (a)  He has not played a match (either in full or in part) in an official competition at “A” international level for his current Association, and at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition for his current Association, he already had the nationality of the representative team for which he wishes to play."

I think Tommy Smith had NZ nationality after moving here with his parents as a kid, and Wee Mac was born here so qualified that way...

 

 

Having a NZ parent entitles you to NZ nationality. If his mother is from NZ, then he would be eligible to play for us. That, however, is extremely doubtful.

I don't think Winston was that big a secret.  Anyone who played FM in the mid 00's would have been aware of him.  Just needed Ricki/NZF to pull a finger out and sell the AWs to him over Denmark (who regularly play in the Euros). 

I really do believe that had we not qualified for the World Cup he would never have chosen NZ.

I'd like to think NZ Football are aware of these guys

Thats really it Luis, whose job is it. I guess its now Freds but previously....

so... what happen with this guy?

He is now playing for Real Madrid and is in line to replace Ronaldo as Portugal's next big thing