Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
WC Intercontinental Playoff vs Costa Rica | Tue 14th June (15th NZT) | 9pm (6am NZT)
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
People blaming Payne for the goal in any shape or form is laughable. Sail could have hit it first time if he wanted to. He obviously thought the pass was fine and that he had time otherwise he wouldn't of taken a touch.
Bad touches happen, this cost us. simple.
Hay has proven with Woud (on multiple occasions) that he is willing to forgive mistakes.
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
Marinovic did get back and save it after that mix-up, and kept a clean sheet in that game, if Sail had managed to get back to save Lapadula’s shot then, similarly, it’d be a non-event.
I haven’t written off Sail after one game, my opinion hasn’t changed in that I prefer Marinovic. That also doesn’t mean I think Sail is a bad keeper, but you can only play one. I can’t really recall him ever letting himself down in a New Zealand shirt, he was quite literally the difference between us and the island teams under Hudson, and kept things respectable in the big games in Russia and vs Peru in 2017. He himself was dropped for Sail after one goal-conceding mistake last season, so there’s no reason why it can’t be reciprocated. It’s a moot point though, Hay stuck with Woud and I suspect it’ll be the same now.
People blaming Payne for the goal in any shape or form is laughable. Sail could have hit it first time if he wanted to. He obviously thought the pass was fine and that he had time otherwise he wouldn't of taken a touch.
Bad touches happen, this cost us. simple.
Hay has proven with Woud (on multiple occasions) that he is willing to forgive mistakes.
Peru yes, Costa Rica no.
We shouldn't sit back with a defensive bias against Costa Rica. They are a good side, but not THAT good. We have the talent and ability to go out and control (or at least attempt to) the game.
For this reason, I'd play a back 4, not a back 5. A back 5 is defensively biased. It gives the opposition more space, just by virtue of the formation, which allows technical teams like the Central/South American sides to just control and dominate possession. It's such a bad set up IMO.
It also means we are sacrificing a player like Rojas/Just/Lewis/etc, for a defender like Pijnaker/Boxall/Smith. We have to WIN this match, so we need to start a team that will take the initiative, rather than sit back and allow the opposition time and freedom on the ball.
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
Marinovic did get back and save it after that mix-up, and kept a clean sheet in that game, if Sail had managed to get back to save Lapadula’s shot then, similarly, it’d be a non-event.
I haven’t written off Sail after one game, my opinion hasn’t changed in that I prefer Marinovic. That also doesn’t mean I think Sail is a bad keeper, but you can only play one. I can’t really recall him ever letting himself down in a New Zealand shirt, he was quite literally the difference between us and the island teams under Hudson, and kept things respectable in the big games in Russia and vs Peru in 2017. He himself was dropped for Sail after one goal-conceding mistake last season, so there’s no reason why it can’t be reciprocated. It’s a moot point though, Hay stuck with Woud and I suspect it’ll be the same now.
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
Marinovic did get back and save it after that mix-up, and kept a clean sheet in that game, if Sail had managed to get back to save Lapadula’s shot then, similarly, it’d be a non-event.
I haven’t written off Sail after one game, my opinion hasn’t changed in that I prefer Marinovic. That also doesn’t mean I think Sail is a bad keeper, but you can only play one. I can’t really recall him ever letting himself down in a New Zealand shirt, he was quite literally the difference between us and the island teams under Hudson, and kept things respectable in the big games in Russia and vs Peru in 2017. He himself was dropped for Sail after one goal-conceding mistake last season, so there’s no reason why it can’t be reciprocated. It’s a moot point though, Hay stuck with Woud and I suspect it’ll be the same now.
A question Hay must be asking himself in regards to playing 4 or 5 at the back is, does he think we are more likely to score in open play or through a set piece? If it's a set piece you go with the extra timber in the back, play for fouls/corners etc. If through open play, you bring in a Rojas, someone who can hit a pass or beat a player at the expense of an extra defender.
Personally I think without Thomas and Singh, a set piece is more likely.
If CR do play a low block I don’t think that the diamond midfield works and i think we will need three up front to pull their CBs out of position. Not a fan of this shape but if we do use it then I think you are right.
Really hope Hay does away with the 5-diamond - 1. It’s a good shape to combat a combative midfield but not one to create much. Certainly hasn’t been our most effective shape to date. We’ve been better with 3 up too and isolating fullbacks with good dribblers receiving an early ball or getting in behind.
Also think it's a bit concerning that we don't have a keeper we can rely on. I love Oli but he's no Paston
Following his strong performance against @SeleccionPeru, we caught up with Matt Garbett to ask about playing in front of over 30,000 fans at the @RCDEspanyol stadium and his huge last 12 months in football. pic.twitter.com/rMxjtYdpOg
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
A question Hay must be asking himself in regards to playing 4 or 5 at the back is, does he think we are more likely to score in open play or through a set piece? If it's a set piece you go with the extra timber in the back, play for fouls/corners etc. If through open play, you bring in a Rojas, someone who can hit a pass or beat a player at the expense of an extra defender.
Personally I think without Thomas and Singh, a set piece is more likely.
First it's absolutely crucial we start rock solid at the back. Concede early and it's going to be very very tough to find an equaliser. They will drop deep, Navas is world class, and they will just use their vast experience to slow everything down milk pens all day long. Then try and find a killer 2nd goal on the counter.
But if AWs can keep it 0-0 deep in the game, or even better score early, the favoured Ticos under all that pressure back home, will start to get nervous, even with all that experience.
Libby is one of our best players, maybe at this moment on current form our best. We want him on the ball as much as possible. Does a back 3/5, allow that more than a back 4? It sounds like the Ticos right edge could be a weak link. Get the ball to Libby. Maybe he can draw some fouls in handy positions, and we can swing in some free kicks. Something that didn't happen against Peru. Kirwan I thought also looked pretty good at times against the Peruvians.
Sure we struggled to retain possession against Peru, but alot of that was due to poor decisions/passes as much as the setup. I'd start Lewis ahead of Stamenic, but having said that Marko will be a better for the experience against the Peruvians. Less nerves against the Ticos you'd hope. We should also have more space in midfield against CR, they will likely only have one young mobile midfielder to press the AWs hard, alongside the older slower Borges & Tejeda. They will play deeper than Peru.
I'd also start Pijnaker ahead of Smith, as thought he linked well with Cacace, and was our best cover defender - though helped he was pretty fresh that 2nd half. Tuiloma I don't know. His passing was poor, missed Libby at least twice with switches. He can't do that again - but another who maybe more relaxed/less tense 2nd time around. But Boxall could come in as right CB.
Real pity there is no Confeds Cup in this cycle to give us 3 tough games in front of proper crowds with real tension. Hay really only has this Peru game to go off re making some big selection/setup calls. Don't think the previous friendlies/OFC tourney games have much relevance to CR, as to what the best shape should be. Maybe only the Tahiti semi final game, when we had to be patient against a well coached team sitting deep. Hay felt Tahiti was AWs toughest game of late apart from Peru - massive step up that it was.
If it is 0-0 (or anything but AWs ahead) by mid 2nd half, then I wouldn't mind seeing a bold move by Hay, like bringing on an attacker for a CB. Go 4 at the back. This is what he did in the Japanese QF at the Olympics (Reid who was injured, off for McCowatt). And we went toe to toe with the heavily favoured Japanese. Could have won that game for sure. The older Ticos players could be starting to tire, so have a real crack at them. If it goes to pens (as it well could) they have a big big advantage with Navas in goal. As others have said he will be the best player on the pitch, and a huge presence.
Has the ref been named yet for the game? See a Slovenian is in charge of Aus verus UAE today
https://refereeingworld.blogspot.com/2022/05/fifa-world-cup-2022-qualifiers.html
The boys are back in town.
— Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) June 6, 2022
All Whites touched down in Doha just before midnight on Monday local time, after 6 hour journey from Barcelona.
Temperature was a crisp 33 degrees.
@nzheraldsport @NZ_Football pic.twitter.com/du3z0axMSg
I know you've got a bit of stick for this comment, but I agree with you 100%. 5 at the back is too defensive - it automatically sets the tone for the match and gives the opposition space to control the game.
We have the talent these days to go out there are try and control the game against decent opposition. Let's use our talent and not divert to the usual defensive bias.
if, Hay was playing a flat 5 at the back then you're claim of being too defensive would be accurate. But,. he doesn't, he set us up with3 CB's and two wing backs - wing backs are an attacking option, but give us the defense needed when the opposition overloads the midfield. On attack the wingbacks become wingers, giving you 5 in the midfield to find the 2 up front. Very few international teams will line up 4-4-2, Most will be a variant of 4-3-3, or 4-5-1. Especially in games that matter. Friendlies are an opportunity to try things out, this game was a good one to test how we'd fare against a quality side - Peru tested us our defence and had probably 3/4 clear scoring chances, of which they scored one. If we can do that against CR then the pressure of WC quals could make the opposition panic and we get more scoring chances.
Defence wins you tournaments, and we have a solid unit at the back, we jusy need out scoring options to take the chances that we get - because we are never gonna see the AW's get 25+ shots against any opposition except the Pacific Island teams.
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
Who made the best save in training? pic.twitter.com/J9VKOlBHrF
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
Warming up in the air conditioned Education City Stadium 🏟 pic.twitter.com/3z2hi5gdFw
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
If history has taught us anything, it's that the #1 keeper in the qualifiers will be #2 at the World Cup.
He was given a chance to prove he was number one and unfortunately failed.
Guess we can't play Marinovic either because of that mix-up he had with Reid vs. Peru in 2017 then
Marinovic did get back and save it after that mix-up, and kept a clean sheet in that game, if Sail had managed to get back to save Lapadula’s shot then, similarly, it’d be a non-event.
I haven’t written off Sail after one game, my opinion hasn’t changed in that I prefer Marinovic. That also doesn’t mean I think Sail is a bad keeper, but you can only play one. I can’t really recall him ever letting himself down in a New Zealand shirt, he was quite literally the difference between us and the island teams under Hudson, and kept things respectable in the big games in Russia and vs Peru in 2017. He himself was dropped for Sail after one goal-conceding mistake last season, so there’s no reason why it can’t be reciprocated. It’s a moot point though, Hay stuck with Woud and I suspect it’ll be the same now.
First session in 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/TAap6Fu1t1
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
Who made the best save in training? pic.twitter.com/J9VKOlBHrF
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
Warming up in the air conditioned Education City Stadium 🏟 pic.twitter.com/3z2hi5gdFw
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 7, 2022
The commentator in the UAE v Aussie game this morning, said the temp in the air conditioned stadium was 18 degrees....
We are buzzing for it. Going to be special out there. Any stray kiwis not linked in yet let me know
I know you've got a bit of stick for this comment, but I agree with you 100%. 5 at the back is too defensive - it automatically sets the tone for the match and gives the opposition space to control the game.
We have the talent these days to go out there are try and control the game against decent opposition. Let's use our talent and not divert to the usual defensive bias.
if, Hay was playing a flat 5 at the back then you're claim of being too defensive would be accurate. But,. he doesn't, he set us up with3 CB's and two wing backs - wing backs are an attacking option, but give us the defense needed when the opposition overloads the midfield. On attack the wingbacks become wingers, giving you 5 in the midfield to find the 2 up front. Very few international teams will line up 4-4-2, Most will be a variant of 4-3-3, or 4-5-1. Especially in games that matter. Friendlies are an opportunity to try things out, this game was a good one to test how we'd fare against a quality side - Peru tested us our defence and had probably 3/4 clear scoring chances, of which they scored one. If we can do that against CR then the pressure of WC quals could make the opposition panic and we get more scoring chances.
Defence wins you tournaments, and we have a solid unit at the back, we jusy need out scoring options to take the chances that we get - because we are never gonna see the AW's get 25+ shots against any opposition except the Pacific Island teams.
The problem with this formation is that, so often, the wing backs get pinned back, which essentially forms a flat back 5. And furthermore, once we do get possession back, we're usually picking the ball up from deep in our own half, limiting the effectiveness of the wing-backs in an attacking sense.
You have to control the game, and possession, to allow the wing-backs to act as attacking wingers. Otherwise, the wing-backs cannot push up enough because you risk getting caught out with essentially a back 3. If you don't control possession, you're essentially playing counter-attacking football, which is a defensive style of football that gives the initiative to the other team.
I would actually contend that Attack wins you tournaments. You have to score goals to win football matches. If you are purely defending, you will never win tournaments.
To be effective in attack, in the long-run (i.e. consistently effective), you need to set up with an attacking-biased team. Look at the best teams in the world - there are more skillfull, technical, and attack-minded players than defensive players. Look at the best teams in the world and I think you'll find it rare for them to set up with a 5-3-3 or 5-4-1 formation.
I watched about half of it... I think Peru will beat them. They looked pretty shakey in defence especially on their right.
I would say Peru is best of the 4 teams, then a gap to CR and Australia. Then another gap to NZ.
Which is about what the world ranking say too. I would give us about a 35% chance vs both CR and Australia so no preference. Am sure Australia is wishing they got NZ though!
I know you've got a bit of stick for this comment, but I agree with you 100%. 5 at the back is too defensive - it automatically sets the tone for the match and gives the opposition space to control the game.
We have the talent these days to go out there are try and control the game against decent opposition. Let's use our talent and not divert to the usual defensive bias.
if, Hay was playing a flat 5 at the back then you're claim of being too defensive would be accurate. But,. he doesn't, he set us up with3 CB's and two wing backs - wing backs are an attacking option, but give us the defense needed when the opposition overloads the midfield. On attack the wingbacks become wingers, giving you 5 in the midfield to find the 2 up front. Very few international teams will line up 4-4-2, Most will be a variant of 4-3-3, or 4-5-1. Especially in games that matter. Friendlies are an opportunity to try things out, this game was a good one to test how we'd fare against a quality side - Peru tested us our defence and had probably 3/4 clear scoring chances, of which they scored one. If we can do that against CR then the pressure of WC quals could make the opposition panic and we get more scoring chances.
Defence wins you tournaments, and we have a solid unit at the back, we jusy need out scoring options to take the chances that we get - because we are never gonna see the AW's get 25+ shots against any opposition except the Pacific Island teams.
The problem with this formation is that, so often, the wing backs get pinned back, which essentially forms a flat back 5. And furthermore, once we do get possession back, we're usually picking the ball up from deep in our own half, limiting the effectiveness of the wing-backs in an attacking sense.
You have to control the game, and possession, to allow the wing-backs to act as attacking wingers. Otherwise, the wing-backs cannot push up enough because you risk getting caught out with essentially a back 3. If you don't control possession, you're essentially playing counter-attacking football, which is a defensive style of football that gives the initiative to the other team.
I would actually contend that Attack wins you tournaments. You have to score goals to win football matches. If you are purely defending, you will never win tournaments.
To be effective in attack, in the long-run (i.e. consistently effective), you need to set up with an attacking-biased team. Look at the best teams in the world - there are more skillfull, technical, and attack-minded players than defensive players. Look at the best teams in the world and I think you'll find it rare for them to set up with a 5-3-3 or 5-4-1 formation.
If we beat Costa Rica, we have a World Cup group with Spain, Germany and Japan, all of whom are better than Peru. Against those three we would likely have, at most, a third of the ball, so might as well train how you’re going to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has played at least a small part in Hay’s thinking as to how to approach these games, just as how he played 3 centrebacks in the OFC qualifying.
A midfield three of Bell, Singh and Stamenic/Lewis is good for previous standards for a NZ team, and they’re all are relatively young, but they’d get eaten alive by a Gündogan/Kimmich/Goretzka, Koke/Rodri/Gavi or even a Kamada/Endo/Minamino midfield. We have to be realistic in that we aren’t going to beat those teams at their own game of possession and high-pressing, it’ll be by stoic defence and counter-attacking. The best chance of getting a result at the World Cup would be by shoring up the defence, and best way is to play a 5-3-2 (or the more adventurous 3-4-3), as opposed to lining up 4-3-3, getting overrun, and end up on a 4/5/6-0 hiding.
It will be a full strength squad. Everyone wants to be front and centre of the coaches thinking so close to the main event.
I watched about half of it... I think Peru will beat them. They looked pretty shakey in defence especially on their right.
I would say Peru is best of the 4 teams, then a gap to CR and Australia. Then another gap to NZ.
Which is about what the world ranking say too. I would give us about a 35% chance vs both CR and Australia so no preference. Am sure Australia is wishing they got NZ though!
There are areas in which the All Whites absolutely need to improve if they’re to beat Costa Rica. Gotta create better shooting opportunities. Gotta earn more attacking set pieces. Gotta be more clinical in the passing game. Can’t concede a soft-arse goal like that.
Great to be with All Whites on journey from Barcelona to Doha, as the countdown begins.
— Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) June 7, 2022
A fascinating behind the scenes experience.
(Good team unity too, as some players swapped their business class seats with others halfway through...)https://t.co/INrpI6lFdG
No way is AFC qualifying (or CONCACAF) as tough as CONMEBOL. Not only is the standard higher in South America (only Venezuela of the 10 teams are consistently weak) but the all the sides use home advantage to the max.
Colombia play their home games in the scorching heat of Barranqullia even though it is only the 4th biggest city in the country with 1/5 the popn of Bogota. Ecuador play their games in Quito at 2,900 metres, even though their football heartland (where most of the players come from) is in Guayaquil. Bolivia play at 3,600 metres in La Paz, and have a formidable record there.
8 of the 10 CONEMBOL sides are FIFA ranked virtually in the top 50 (yes Paraguay is at 51). Only Venezuela & Bolivia are lower ranked. AFC has 6 teams in FIFA top 50, and CONCACAF has 4 teams in the top 50.
Peru are better than Australia, and the core of their side has been together a few years now. Coach was there in 2017. Socceroos look a bit of a panicked mess at the moment, Arnie chopping & changing. Big upset I think if they win. One advantage is they know the Middle East well, whilst is somewhat out of the Peruvians Latino comfort zone (unlike Barcelona which was basically Lima for them).
I know you've got a bit of stick for this comment, but I agree with you 100%. 5 at the back is too defensive - it automatically sets the tone for the match and gives the opposition space to control the game.
We have the talent these days to go out there are try and control the game against decent opposition. Let's use our talent and not divert to the usual defensive bias.
if, Hay was playing a flat 5 at the back then you're claim of being too defensive would be accurate. But,. he doesn't, he set us up with3 CB's and two wing backs - wing backs are an attacking option, but give us the defense needed when the opposition overloads the midfield. On attack the wingbacks become wingers, giving you 5 in the midfield to find the 2 up front. Very few international teams will line up 4-4-2, Most will be a variant of 4-3-3, or 4-5-1. Especially in games that matter. Friendlies are an opportunity to try things out, this game was a good one to test how we'd fare against a quality side - Peru tested us our defence and had probably 3/4 clear scoring chances, of which they scored one. If we can do that against CR then the pressure of WC quals could make the opposition panic and we get more scoring chances.
Defence wins you tournaments, and we have a solid unit at the back, we jusy need out scoring options to take the chances that we get - because we are never gonna see the AW's get 25+ shots against any opposition except the Pacific Island teams.
The problem with this formation is that, so often, the wing backs get pinned back, which essentially forms a flat back 5. And furthermore, once we do get possession back, we're usually picking the ball up from deep in our own half, limiting the effectiveness of the wing-backs in an attacking sense.
You have to control the game, and possession, to allow the wing-backs to act as attacking wingers. Otherwise, the wing-backs cannot push up enough because you risk getting caught out with essentially a back 3. If you don't control possession, you're essentially playing counter-attacking football, which is a defensive style of football that gives the initiative to the other team.
I would actually contend that Attack wins you tournaments. You have to score goals to win football matches. If you are purely defending, you will never win tournaments.
To be effective in attack, in the long-run (i.e. consistently effective), you need to set up with an attacking-biased team. Look at the best teams in the world - there are more skillfull, technical, and attack-minded players than defensive players. Look at the best teams in the world and I think you'll find it rare for them to set up with a 5-3-3 or 5-4-1 formation.
If we beat Costa Rica, we have a World Cup group with Spain, Germany and Japan, all of whom are better than Peru. Against those three we would likely have, at most, a third of the ball, so might as well train how you’re going to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has played at least a small part in Hay’s thinking as to how to approach these games, just as how he played 3 centrebacks in the OFC qualifying.
A midfield three of Bell, Singh and Stamenic/Lewis is good for previous standards for a NZ team, and they’re all are relatively young, but they’d get eaten alive by a Gündogan/Kimmich/Goretzka, Koke/Rodri/Gavi or even a Kamada/Endo/Minamino midfield. We have to be realistic in that we aren’t going to beat those teams at their own game of possession and high-pressing, it’ll be by stoic defence and counter-attacking. The best chance of getting a result at the World Cup would be by shoring up the defence, and best way is to play a 5-3-2 (or the more adventurous 3-4-3), as opposed to lining up 4-3-3, getting overrun, and end up on a 4/5/6-0 hiding.
Yipe by NZ standards the midfield trio to play Costa Rica - Bell, Garbett and Stamenic/Lewis - are all very good players. 3 of those are very young, with hopefully high ceilings. They may all end up playing in a top 5 Euro League. Garbett is almost there now.
But compared to the Ticos, they are inexperienced pups. 34 yr old Celso Borges spent 4 seasons (14/15 to 17/18) with Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga. So a tonne of experience against some of the super stars of world football at Barcelona, Real Madrid and the other big Spanish clubs. He's going to have plenty of experienced team mates all around him, who have been there done that through this Golden Generation for CR. Man for man, they will likely be more skillful & technical than us. Certainly a shark load more experienced, especially, especially in midfield.
But our wingbacks (certainly Cacace) look maybe better than theirs. Their likely LB 32 yr old Oviedo, didn't play 1 game for FC Copenhagen this season. And sounds like they are still unsure who their RB will be.
Again we need to start the game very safe defensively, use our wingbacks to attack, but also bring Wood into the game more. Use his great hold up play, like he does in the EPL week in week out. Hopefully he will be sharper, better for the outing against Peru. He barely played the last month in the EPL for Newcastle. Peru was his first start since Man City 8th May, and after that just 20 mins against Burnley.
Then maybe be brave in the 2nd half and look to change the shape, go more attacking, lift the pace as some of their older & slower players hopefully (hopefully) start to fatigue. We don't want it going to pens.
PS. Japan (WR 23) ain't better than Peru (WR 22). FIFA has them as par as you can get, and I agree. Peru are a bloody good, well drilled side. It was the perfect hit out against them.
Interesting chat with a Costa Rican journalist. Good perspective. They are confident but cautious.
— Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) June 8, 2022
One of her best lines was..”when we heard Chris Wood was injured, we could breathe, because we know how much he can hurt us”
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I know you've got a bit of stick for this comment, but I agree with you 100%. 5 at the back is too defensive - it automatically sets the tone for the match and gives the opposition space to control the game.
We have the talent these days to go out there are try and control the game against decent opposition. Let's use our talent and not divert to the usual defensive bias.
if, Hay was playing a flat 5 at the back then you're claim of being too defensive would be accurate. But,. he doesn't, he set us up with3 CB's and two wing backs - wing backs are an attacking option, but give us the defense needed when the opposition overloads the midfield. On attack the wingbacks become wingers, giving you 5 in the midfield to find the 2 up front. Very few international teams will line up 4-4-2, Most will be a variant of 4-3-3, or 4-5-1. Especially in games that matter. Friendlies are an opportunity to try things out, this game was a good one to test how we'd fare against a quality side - Peru tested us our defence and had probably 3/4 clear scoring chances, of which they scored one. If we can do that against CR then the pressure of WC quals could make the opposition panic and we get more scoring chances.
Defence wins you tournaments, and we have a solid unit at the back, we jusy need out scoring options to take the chances that we get - because we are never gonna see the AW's get 25+ shots against any opposition except the Pacific Island teams.
The problem with this formation is that, so often, the wing backs get pinned back, which essentially forms a flat back 5. And furthermore, once we do get possession back, we're usually picking the ball up from deep in our own half, limiting the effectiveness of the wing-backs in an attacking sense.
You have to control the game, and possession, to allow the wing-backs to act as attacking wingers. Otherwise, the wing-backs cannot push up enough because you risk getting caught out with essentially a back 3. If you don't control possession, you're essentially playing counter-attacking football, which is a defensive style of football that gives the initiative to the other team.
I would actually contend that Attack wins you tournaments. You have to score goals to win football matches. If you are purely defending, you will never win tournaments.
To be effective in attack, in the long-run (i.e. consistently effective), you need to set up with an attacking-biased team. Look at the best teams in the world - there are more skillfull, technical, and attack-minded players than defensive players. Look at the best teams in the world and I think you'll find it rare for them to set up with a 5-3-3 or 5-4-1 formation.
If we beat Costa Rica, we have a World Cup group with Spain, Germany and Japan, all of whom are better than Peru. Against those three we would likely have, at most, a third of the ball, so might as well train how you’re going to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if that has played at least a small part in Hay’s thinking as to how to approach these games, just as how he played 3 centrebacks in the OFC qualifying.
A midfield three of Bell, Singh and Stamenic/Lewis is good for previous standards for a NZ team, and they’re all are relatively young, but they’d get eaten alive by a Gündogan/Kimmich/Goretzka, Koke/Rodri/Gavi or even a Kamada/Endo/Minamino midfield. We have to be realistic in that we aren’t going to beat those teams at their own game of possession and high-pressing, it’ll be by stoic defence and counter-attacking. The best chance of getting a result at the World Cup would be by shoring up the defence, and best way is to play a 5-3-2 (or the more adventurous 3-4-3), as opposed to lining up 4-3-3, getting overrun, and end up on a 4/5/6-0 hiding.
Yipe by NZ standards the midfield trio to play Costa Rica - Bell, Garbett and Stamenic/Lewis - are all very good players. 3 of those are very young, with hopefully high ceilings. They may all end up playing in a top 5 Euro League. Garbett is almost there now.
But compared to the Ticos, they are inexperienced pups. 34 yr old Celso Borges spent 4 seasons (14/15 to 17/18) with Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga. So a tonne of experience against some of the super stars of world football at Barcelona, Real Madrid and the other big Spanish clubs. He's going to have plenty of experienced team mates all around him, who have been there done that through this Golden Generation for CR. Man for man, they will likely be more skillful & technical than us. Certainly a shark load more experienced, especially, especially in midfield.
But our wingbacks (certainly Cacace) look maybe better than theirs. Their likely LB 32 yr old Oviedo, didn't play 1 game for FC Copenhagen this season. And sounds like they are still unsure who their RB will be.
Again we need to start the game very safe defensively, use our wingbacks to attack, but also bring Wood into the game more. Use his great hold up play, like he does in the EPL week in week out. Hopefully he will be sharper, better for the outing against Peru. He barely played the last month in the EPL for Newcastle. Peru was his first start since Man City 8th May, and after that just 20 mins against Burnley.
Then maybe be brave in the 2nd half and look to change the shape, go more attacking, lift the pace as some of their older & slower players hopefully (hopefully) start to fatigue. We don't want it going to pens.
PS. Japan (WR 23) ain't better than Peru (WR 22). FIFA has them as par as you can get, and I agree. Peru are a bloody good, well drilled side. It was the perfect hit out against them.
Just on the Japan/Peru thing - I think the consensus would be that Japan certainly has the more talented players, but Gareca is a monster of a coach who has got absolutely everything he can out of this Peru squad. Reckon they're about even as you say
I honestly don't know how to feel, way to nervous even this far out!
I honestly don't know how to feel, way to nervous even this far out!
Hard to know how the creative player ms played against Oman.
Feel free to mock me if that doesn't happen, but for now that is my prediction.
Wood
Rojas
Garbett
Libby Bell Lewis Niko
Pijnaker Reid Tuiloma
Rojas with kind of a free role I guess, not knowing how he played last night. Interesting points will be Lewis and Pijnaker. I think the rest is relatively uncontroversial. However Hay said he sees Marco as a midfielder, so it seems unlikely we’ll have him and Garbett, which is perhaps unfortunate with Singh out.
This our current strongest 11?
Haven’t named a keeper as if Marinovic plays in goal then Sail either plays up front or as a regista behind Bell Garbett.