Starting XI
550
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2.4K
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over 14 years

Will be very lucky just to draw a game let alone win one.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Royz wrote:

Will be very lucky just to draw a game let alone win one.

Way too early to say that. Need to know who is available for AWs first.

Then need to know a bit about strength of India and Formosa. Sounds the like Indians may experiment as well, before going to the Asian Cup early next year.

Lastly who is the mystery African side? Could be Cape Verde Islands or some other weaker side. Obviously won’t be a World Cup bound team, or a Southern African side as they have their own regional African tourney going on.

The rankings mean squat.

Starting XI
3K
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3K
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almost 7 years

Royz wrote:

Will be very lucky just to draw a game let alone win one.

For real? Taiwan? India? Against those two we'd be incredibly unlucky to draw, losing would be a national tragedy

Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years

NZF confirm that the fourth team is the african powerhouse nation of Kenya. 

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

2ndBest wrote:

NZF confirm that the fourth team is the african powerhouse nation of Kenya. 

FIFA ranking 113. Haven't played anyone of note, lately it would seem. You can drive around Zanzibar in about a day.

https://au.soccerway.com/teams/kenya/kenya/1370/

The good news is another weak side with a ranking better than NZ. Rankings really are a croc.

Anyway good chance of picking up some ranking points, with 3 weakest teams all ranked higher than AWs.

Phoenix Academy
110
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300
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almost 11 years

Let’s play the game by playing these ‘higher ranked’ nations and improve our rankings. There are even teams ranked in the 70s and 80s that Im sure we can beat if we arranged friendlies with them. Just playing has got to be good.

Marquee
3.7K
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5.4K
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over 11 years

People are never happy... we don't play enough games, the opposition is too weak, there isn't enough amatuers in the squad!!

Lawyerish
1.7K
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4.8K
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about 13 years

looking at their squad on Wikipedia I don't think we can say they are beneath us

Lawyerish
1.7K
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4.8K
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about 13 years

D-Sidi wrote:

Let’s play the game by playing these ‘higher ranked’ nations and improve our rankings. There are even teams ranked in the 70s and 80s that Im sure we can beat if we arranged friendlies with them. Just playing has got to be good.

Are we ranked above Kenya?

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

D-Sidi wrote:

Let’s play the game by playing these ‘higher ranked’ nations and improve our rankings. There are even teams ranked in the 70s and 80s that Im sure we can beat if we arranged friendlies with them. Just playing has got to be good.

Are we ranked above Kenya?

See above. Answer no

Lawyerish
1.7K
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4.8K
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about 13 years
Starting XI
1.3K
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2.7K
·
almost 9 years

NZ's record against their intercontinental cup opponents

India - played once in 1981 in the Merdaka Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Drew 0-0

While this is an A international, it was effectively a B team and Allan Jones was the coach not Adshead & Fallon

Chinese Taipei - from the 1970's to the end of the 1980s, Chinese Taipei were put in Oceania for World Cup and Olympic qualifying due to politics and FIFA being nice to China, so we have played them 12 times and never been beaten

1977 World Cup Qualifying W 6-0 twice, both games in Auckland

1981 World Cup Qualifying D 0-0 in Taipei, W 2-0 in Auckland

1983 Olympic Qualifying W 2-0 in Auckland, D 1-1 in Taipei

1985 World Cup Qualifying W 5-1 in Auckland, W 5-0 in Christchurch

1988 Olympic Qualifying W 1-0 in Melbourne, W 2-0 in Christchurch

         World Cup Qualifying W 4-0 in Wellington, W 4-1 in Auckland

So played 12 Won 10 Drawn 2 Lost 0

Kenya will be the 8th African nation we have faced, others have been South Africa (P-6 W-0 D-1 L-5), Egypt (Drew 1-1 & Lost 0-1) Morocco (Lost 3-0), Ghana (Won 2-0), Sudan (Drew 1-1), Tanzania (Lost 1-2), Botswana (Drew 0-0)


Given the heat and the likely experimental make up of our team for this tournament I wouldn't really be expecting too much, but then that's the thing about these tournaments, they are good for the team to play, especially as the ONC will be similar format, and the coaches can try different things and it doesn't matter, If we win it and get a trophy at the end of it hey that's a bonus

Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Do we know the exact dates yet?  

I’m pumped to see the AWs play in Mumbai as it gives me a good reason to visit a country I would otherwise never visit.

First Team Squad
1.2K
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1K
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over 14 years

Morning all, a few memories of Taiwan matches in the past to whet the appetite :)

Starting XI
1.3K
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2.7K
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almost 9 years

Marto wrote:

Do we know the exact dates yet?  

I’m pumped to see the AWs play in Mumbai as it gives me a good reason to visit a country I would otherwise never visit.

1st - 10th June

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Marto wrote:

Do we know the exact dates yet?  

I’m pumped to see the AWs play in Mumbai as it gives me a good reason to visit a country I would otherwise never visit.

1st - 10th June

Sorry, I meant the actual days we are playing as I’ve already taken a lot of leave to go to Russia a week after the AW games.

Getting paid to be here
700
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970
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over 6 years

Marto wrote:

Marto wrote:

Do we know the exact dates yet?  

I’m pumped to see the AWs play in Mumbai as it gives me a good reason to visit a country I would otherwise never visit.

1st - 10th June

Sorry, I meant the actual days we are playing as I’ve already taken a lot of leave to go to Russia a week after the AW games.

Not confirmed, but it should be 1st, 4th, 7th, with the final on the 10th.

Trialist
0
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2
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almost 6 years

any thoughts on who will be included in the squad ?

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Sounds like they initially announce a larger squad to train in Auckland, before trimming down to 23. Squad could be named this week even. Basically same team that played Canada.

Minus probably M Boxall. Add Musa & maybe Kyle Adams from Rio Grande in the USL. Some more Handy players likely.

Kosta to come in. Hopefully Roux and Boyd. Appiah must be under consideration.

Thomas, Wood & Reid plus the 8 MSL players (incl Collier) are all likely absentees.

WeeNix
600
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920
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almost 9 years

Not confirmed, but it should be 1st, 4th, 7th, with the final on the 10th.

India v Kenya would be a hell of a final.......

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Is this tourney still happening? 

No confirmation at all of tournament schedule, and supposedly to start in only 2 weeks, on 1st June.

On Soccerway website, none of the 4 nations, have any tourney matches noted - though India at least has games listed for September re another tournament involved with.

Also NZF mentioned they hoped to announce a preliminary AWs squad last week - but nothing.

Of course hope is all still happening, but starting to wonder.............

First Team Squad
520
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1K
·
over 10 years

Must be still on, India has named there team for the cup and Kenya has started training. Looks like someone has added the fixture dates to the wikipedia page. Our first game is against Kenya on the 1st of June.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/intercontinen...


The Fixtures are as follows (All matches will kick off at 8pm):

1 June 2018: India v Chinese Taipei

2 June 2018: Kenya v New Zealand

4 June 2018: India v Kenya

5 June 2018: Chinese Taipei v New Zealand

7 June 2018: India v New Zealand

8 June 2018: Chinese Taipei v Kenya

What's next?

Kenya will play Swaziland and Equatorial Ghana on May 25 and 28 respectively as part of the preparation for the Intercontinental Cup. India is undergoing the national team camp in Mumbai with a 30-man provisional squad. Constantine's final squad will be announced in a couple of weeks.

Author's Take

FIFA's ratification of the Intercontinental Cup Games means that the games will carry FIFA Friendly Ranking points making it crucial for all the four teams. This will evoke all the three visiting teams to send their best teams as the FIFA Ranking points will be at stake.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Looks like Indian team is 100% players from local league. So either none of them are good enough to play in Europe etc, or money is so good in the Indian league is no incentive to leave. Whichever it is, it must be holding back their football development, if no players in better leagues.

http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/intercontinental-cu...

I see one of the Indian players has been replaced because contracted typhoid! Hope AWs are taking a good doctor.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2018-intercontinental-...

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Ignoring the dodgy reporting, interesting to note that both India & Kenya, have already got their training camps underway. 

Kenya even have a few pre tournament games. NZF still yet to announce a squad.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/intercontinen...

The Kenyans also have at least one guy playing in MLS - so won't be at full strength either. May shape up as hardest game for AWs.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Sounds like there is at least a few AWs players in Auckland, keeping fit in the off season

Coach Sunz‏@Sunz_HPC

May 16

Boys putting in a huge effort this morning. @AdamMitchell08 @MattRidenton @oli_sail Max Mata, Alec Solomon @twihongi @NZ_Football

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/9969180374490...

First Team Squad
520
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1K
·
over 10 years
Marquee
2.7K
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7.2K
·
almost 17 years

Will the cup be televised and or what are the odds of a YouTube stream like for the HK 7s?

Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Given the number of players here in the UK of South Asian descent who will never be good enough for the Home Contries, I'm really surprised that not many, if any represent Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Not sure if anyone else is going but I will be there for the Taiwan and India matches and the final if we make it.  Any other kiwis going at all that people know of?

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Sounds like a few surprise selections in the offing. At least 1 dozen first choice guys unavailable.

I guess Schmid has had more time now to check out the NZ scene, watched a full season of Handy Prem, plus observed the low profile overseas guys like Nikko Boxall, Niko Kirwan, Tzanev, Bevan, Woud, and Brotherton up close in Spain. Did they all offer enough, or is he better to try someone new to look at?

Is Boyd available?   Appiah? McCowatt? Heijer? Hudson-Wihongi? Cacace? Kyle Adams who is playing regularly in USL?

Could be an interesting announcement.

First Team Squad
520
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1K
·
over 10 years

coochiee wrote:

Sounds like a few surprise selections in the offing. At least 1 dozen first choice guys unavailable.

I guess Schmid has had more time now to check out the NZ scene, watched a full season of Handy Prem, plus seen low profile overseas guys like Nikko Boxall, Niko Kirwan, Tzanev, Bevan, Woud, and Brotherton up close in Spain. Do any of them offer enough, or is he better to try someone new to look at?

Is Boyd available?

Could be an interesting announcement.

Woud is a great prospect, seen him play at u20s and u17s and was amazing, playes frequently in U18 EPL and is future prospect for us. Brotherton and Tzanev haven't played much this year. Nikko Boxall plays in a decent league, has good minutes and is in a good spot for promotion to the Superliga. Bevan is playing in a poor league but is still a big prospect fo us. Kiriwan played a decent amount, could be a bright one for the future. Theres also Adam Mitchell who won the u23 Development league. Played at RB against Canada for about 20 minutes till he got injured, but he looked really good and a lot better then Ingham. Don't think Boyd will want to play, in my opinion I think he will try and get that US call-up.
Starting XI
3K
·
3K
·
almost 7 years

JamesBo wrote:

coochiee wrote:

Sounds like a few surprise selections in the offing. At least 1 dozen first choice guys unavailable.

I guess Schmid has had more time now to check out the NZ scene, watched a full season of Handy Prem, plus seen low profile overseas guys like Nikko Boxall, Niko Kirwan, Tzanev, Bevan, Woud, and Brotherton up close in Spain. Do any of them offer enough, or is he better to try someone new to look at?

Is Boyd available?

Could be an interesting announcement.

Woud is a great prospect, seen him play at u20s and u17s and was amazing, playes frequently in U18 EPL and is future prospect for us.

Hearing he'll be in Sunderland's first team next season, probably third choice like Tzanev

First Team Squad
520
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1K
·
over 10 years

mrsmiis wrote:

JamesBo wrote:

coochiee wrote:

Sounds like a few surprise selections in the offing. At least 1 dozen first choice guys unavailable.

I guess Schmid has had more time now to check out the NZ scene, watched a full season of Handy Prem, plus seen low profile overseas guys like Nikko Boxall, Niko Kirwan, Tzanev, Bevan, Woud, and Brotherton up close in Spain. Do any of them offer enough, or is he better to try someone new to look at?

Is Boyd available?

Could be an interesting announcement.

Woud is a great prospect, seen him play at u20s and u17s and was amazing, playes frequently in U18 EPL and is future prospect for us.

Hearing he'll be in Sunderland's first team next season, probably third choice like Tzanev

Wow thats great he is defiantly better than Tzanev. Woud's brother is at the same school as me il be sure to ask him.
Marquee
2.7K
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7.2K
·
almost 17 years

So has the team been announced or have I missed it?

Starting XI
1.3K
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2.7K
·
almost 9 years

So has the team been announced or have I missed it?

Friday

Starting XI
1.8K
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4.1K
·
about 17 years

"A source familiar with Schmid's selection has told Stuff: "You'll be surprised"."

Alec Solomons

Marquee
1.2K
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5.5K
·
over 13 years

Voerman writes:

In addition to coaching the All Whites, Schmid has been tasked with taking the national under-23 team - consisting of players born in 1997 or later - who will have an Oceania qualifying tournament next year ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Five eligible players - Myer Bevan, Dane Ingham, Clayton Lewis, Sarpreet Singh and Michael Woud - were in the All Whites squad in March, and it is likely there will be more this time around.

1997 or later. These players are turning 21 or younger this year. Kids. A very small number playing in pro environments overseas. We've seen the Nix ones. Are we to see US college players or Handa Premiership "whereAllWhitesaremade" players? Outside of Eastern Suburbs and WeeNix (teams with affirmative action youth policies), how many would there be who have actually earned a start?

Marquee
2.7K
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7.2K
·
almost 17 years

Having watched a lot of TW games this season, I'd say Jack HS, Mario Ilich and Gulley are all worth a crack, especially if no better players are available.

Starting XI
3K
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3K
·
almost 7 years

Not too sure if I want to make a new thread so I'll chuck it here, but instead of relying on friendly tournaments like this and trips to the Lawson Tama for our international games, why don't we ask to join the AFC Asian Cup? We see this done in South America, where CONCACAF teams like Mexico and USA are granted entry to the Copa America, and often a wildcard like Japan is brought in. There might be a little bit of difference since Copa America doesn't require qualifying but the Asian cup does. (Side note, Mexican teams are also let in to the Copa Libertadores, so surely the Phoenix can get in to the AFC Champions League if we ask nicely enough?)

Legend
11K
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21K
·
almost 9 years

It would be great to be in the Asian Cup. 

However if FIFA get their proposed Nations League approved, the landscape could really change for the AWs if OFC is chucked in with AFC, and therefore regular meaningful qualifiers.

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