Legend
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Happy New Year!

Will the All Whites get any games in the 2nd year of coach Schmid's reign?

Could any of the senior AWs pick him out of a crowd of middle aged Swiss men, in Zurich?

Did someone remember to leave the fax machine on over the holiday break?

I see the first FIFA window is 18-26th March.

Looks like the full MLS draw is not out yet, but at this early stage only Tuiloma's Portland have a game (18th March), scheduled over that March window.

https://us.soccerway.com/national/united-states/ml...

So possible that the MLS contingent could be available - if (a big IF), NZF secure a game or two for their national men's team. 

Starting XI
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This thread/topic is a sad place. I'm heading back over to the Nix section where I wont be so depressed.

Getting paid to be here
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I would look to March and November as the only realistic windows for All Whites activity this year, not that there's really any urgency for the All Whites to play at all. 

This year (the year after a World Cup) has tended to be the quietest in the four-year cycle (3 games in 2015; 3 in 2011; 6 in 2007, but 3 were OFC qualifiers played very early).

Resources will be stretched in June, with the U-20 Men's World Cup and Women's World Cup on, and I can't see NZ Football needlessly disturbing All Whites players' off-seasons given they have done so the past three years (OFC Nations Cup 2016, Confederations Cup 2017, India tournament 2018) and will ideally be doing so the next three (Nations Cup 2020, Confederations Cup 2021, World Cup prep 2022).

September and October will clash (albeit not directly) with the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament, which runs from September 21 to October 6 in Fiji.

Interim CEO Andrew Pragnell's end-of-year letter said "we hope to see the All Whites back in action early in 2019" which would seem a dumb thing to include if NZF isn't actively seeking a game in March.

Come November, Schmid should* have an in-depth knowledge of the current U23 crop, who he can then integrate with senior players (he visited around Europe in April and November, so they should recognise him) as the three-year run to the 2022 World Cup begins in earnest.

(*Should, because the timing of the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament means a clash with pro and college commitments.)

Legend
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I would look to March and November as the only realistic windows for All Whites activity this year, not that there's really any urgency for the All Whites to play at all. 

This year (the year after a World Cup) has tended to be the quietest in the four-year cycle (3 games in 2015; 3 in 2011; 6 in 2007, but 3 were OFC qualifiers played very early).

Resources will be stretched in June, with the U-20 Men's World Cup and Women's World Cup on, and I can't see NZ Football needlessly disturbing All Whites players' off-seasons given they have done so the past three years (OFC Nations Cup 2016, Confederations Cup 2017, India tournament 2018) and will ideally be doing so the next three (Nations Cup 2020, Confederations Cup 2021, World Cup prep 2022).

September and October will clash (albeit not directly) with the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament, which runs from September 21 to October 6 in Fiji.

Interim CEO Andrew Pragnell's end-of-year letter said "we hope to see the All Whites back in action early in 2019" which would seem a dumb thing to include if NZF isn't actively seeking a game in March.

Come November, Schmid should* have an in-depth knowledge of the current U23 crop, who he can then integrate with senior players (he visited around Europe in April and November, so they should recognise him) as the three-year run to the 2022 World Cup begins in earnest.

(*Should, because the timing of the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament means a clash with pro and college commitments.)

Gracias for the update Andrew. I'll take that as gospel then, that the AWs have 1 or more games in the March window (itch says Oztraylia). Your reputation as an esteemed journalist is on the line!!

Do disagree however that the senior player's off seasons, were interrupted by the India tourney in 2018. The only AW in India last year, who featured against Peru was Lewis - and he's hardly played the last 18 mths. None of the senior core went to the sub continent. All the big name players in Europe coming off 40-50 game club seasons, can only dream of two full off seasons - which is what you are suggesting the senior AW players will get.

Only Steven Old (who's not a current AW), and at a pinch Wood would get close to playing that number of games in a club season. Most of the Kiwi guys in Europe are getting splinters or are injured. Probably enjoy a few games for the national side, post the club season.

Anyway wasn't that tourney an all expenses paid effort from the India FA? Is it being repeated in 2019? 

If so and NZ is invited again, a nice free bonus build up for Schmid, preceding the Sept-Oct OFC Olympic qualifying tournament. 

Pick a bunch of U23 guys for hot/humid India (with say 3 fresh older pros who like the idea of going to Tokyo next year), as a handy dress rehearsal for PNG. 

Starting XI
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over 14 years

I don't think the Indian games would be repeated as it was there build up to the Asian Cup UAE 2019. 

Getting paid to be here
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coochiee wrote:

I would look to March and November as the only realistic windows for All Whites activity this year, not that there's really any urgency for the All Whites to play at all. 

This year (the year after a World Cup) has tended to be the quietest in the four-year cycle (3 games in 2015; 3 in 2011; 6 in 2007, but 3 were OFC qualifiers played very early).

Resources will be stretched in June, with the U-20 Men's World Cup and Women's World Cup on, and I can't see NZ Football needlessly disturbing All Whites players' off-seasons given they have done so the past three years (OFC Nations Cup 2016, Confederations Cup 2017, India tournament 2018) and will ideally be doing so the next three (Nations Cup 2020, Confederations Cup 2021, World Cup prep 2022).

September and October will clash (albeit not directly) with the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament, which runs from September 21 to October 6 in Fiji.

Interim CEO Andrew Pragnell's end-of-year letter said "we hope to see the All Whites back in action early in 2019" which would seem a dumb thing to include if NZF isn't actively seeking a game in March.

Come November, Schmid should* have an in-depth knowledge of the current U23 crop, who he can then integrate with senior players (he visited around Europe in April and November, so they should recognise him) as the three-year run to the 2022 World Cup begins in earnest.

(*Should, because the timing of the OFC Olympic qualifying tournament means a clash with pro and college commitments.)

Gracias for the update Andrew. I'll take that as gospel then, that the AWs have 1 or more games in the March window (itch says Oztraylia). Your reputation as an esteemed journalist is on the line!!

Do disagree however that the senior player's off seasons, were interrupted by the India tourney in 2018. The only AW in India last year, who featured against Peru was Lewis - and he's hardly played the last 18 mths. None of the senior core went to the sub continent. All the big name players in Europe coming off 40-50 game club seasons, can only dream of two full off seasons - which is what you are suggesting the senior AW players will get.

Only Steven Old (who's not a current AW), and at a pinch Wood would get close to playing that number of games in a club season. Most of the Kiwi guys in Europe are getting splinters or are injured. Probably enjoy a few games for the national side, post the club season.

Anyway wasn't that tourney an all expenses paid effort from the India FA? Is it being repeated in 2019? 

If so and NZ is invited again, a nice free bonus build up for Schmid, preceding the Sept-Oct OFC Olympic qualifying tournament. 

Pick a bunch of U23 guys for hot/humid India (with say 3 fresh older pros who like the idea of going to Tokyo next year), as a handy dress rehearsal for PNG. 

I believe there may be other plans in the works for the U-23 team to have a proper buildup. (The Pacific Games in July have curiously been included on NZ Football's 2019 competitions calendar)

Players getting a proper off-season in one of the two years it's possible is definitely a minor factor (in fact, it may not even come into NZF's thinking). It would be more about A-League players, who tend to have May/early June off then go back to training in late June/July, than European-based pros, as it's more of a disruption to them.

Please don't hold me to them playing in March - if I were in charge it wouldn't even be on the table! A new CEO is due in the next couple of weeks and it wouldn't be a shock if stopping everything non-essential was one of their first steps.

Legend
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What will also be interesting if post the Asian Cup, AFC announce any plans to setup a Nations League. 

UEFA has one, and also CONCACAF. 

CAF (Africa) have just announced their's is to commence in August this year. 

FYI their League A (top tier), comprises - Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal & Tunisia.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9321_CAF_...

Wouldn’t surprise if FIFA soon put some pressure on AFC, to setup one, and pressure them further, to include OFC as part of it.

Nothing may happen until next WC cycle, but potentially stands to be a bit of a game changer re regular games for AWs.

Apparently FIFA stand to make a truck load of cash, from the proposed Global Nations League 8 team final series - so cash strapped NZF would no doubt hope the costs of any extra AW games, are to be funded via FIFA.

However CONEMBOL are not so keen on the Nations League concept it seems, and are proposing the World Cup be moved onto a shorter two yearly cycle!!  Likes of Argentina, Brazil are probably missing the opportunity to play the big European nations in friendlies. Being only 10 countries in their Confed, they probably get a bit sick of just playing each other. Sorry latinos but UEFA don't care.

 https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/inter...

RR
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Lawyerish
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WeeNix
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Someone wake Fritz up, he has a job to do......in 10 months....

Marquee
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Jeez that's a long way away!!!! Seriously, what are we going to do between now and then?

Starting XI
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In the same press release they said they're confident of announcing a game in March

Legend
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yay, we have a game, maybe 2! there'll be nothing at home though

Legend
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November. At least that should ensure the MLS players are available. 

So two years after playing Peru, a full strength side is assembled again!!

There is some quite humorous comments by Irish fans about the announcement of this game.

One in a million
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coochiee wrote:

November. At least that should ensure the MLS players are available. 

So two years after playing Peru, a full strength side is assembled again!!

There is some quite humorous comments by Irish fans about the annouof this game.


Any examples of Irish comments?
Legend
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coochiee wrote:

November. At least that should ensure the MLS players are available. 

So two years after playing Peru, a full strength side is assembled again!!

There is some quite humorous comments by Irish fans about the annouof this game.


Any examples of Irish comments?

Hit the link in Piney’s tweet above. They are less than enthused playing no 112 in the world.

Starting XI
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Which is quite amusing consider how utterly sharke they are

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reg22 wrote:

Which is quite amusing consider how utterly sharke they are

Would love for us to steal a result there just to see them eat humble pie.

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Maybe is the Irish team really is poor at the moment, they'll recast their net and recall The Sheriff. :)

Starting XI
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The other week I read an Irish forum discussing their players overseas, and a handful of guys have been saying right up to recently that Sheridan should get a look in for the Irish team.

Mind you, there's probably still New Zealand fans who think Chris James should be recalled, so that may not mean much.

Legend
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"Schmid expressed his satisfaction of being offered a benchmark test against a world-class opponent in the Republic of Ireland.


The Swiss also reaffirmed his ambition to secure further international fixtures, besides another European-based game in the November international window, to offer his young team extensive international exposure through a complete match calendar for this important year."

Sounds like Schmid maybe getting a little bit of that 'no AWs games' angst, that made Huddo have a go at NZF & Martin in the media one time.

Bit hard to organise things when you have no staff.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/11...

Anyway looks like NZF are trying hard for further games. Socceroos for March or June? Come on FFA, give us a game!

Legend
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reg22 wrote:

Which is quite amusing consider how utterly sharke they are

Ireland are sharke? What does that make the AWs (FIFA ranking 122).

Sure the rankings have their faults, and punish teams like the All Whites who barely play, but the Emerald Isle are ranked 33. That's 4 places higher than football darlings Iceland. Higher than Scotland, Australia, Czech Rep, Russia, Japan.

The complete playing eleven in their last game against Denmark, were either EPL or Championship players. Hard to see a journeyman striker playing in Poland, and now at the bottom of the world getting a look in.

Wood will be getting some stick at Burnley training now. Four Irishmen on the books at Turf Moor. All 4 pretty much current internationals.

Starting XI
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coochiee wrote:

reg22 wrote:

Which is quite amusing consider how utterly sharke they are

Ireland are sharke? What does that make the AWs (FIFA ranking 122).

We're sharke too, but winning 1 out of the 10 matches they played in 2018 against very beatable opponents shows Ireland aren't exactly in the midst of a purple patch 

But hope Wood responds to the stick by banging in a hat trick against them. I like the way Schmid's presented himself so far into his tenure so I'm excited to see where he takes us, reckon Ireland is beatable with the same mindset we take into Nix games. Wonder if NZF's taking any cues from Rudan's leadership?

Marquee
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What happened to the possibility of a game in March?

Starting XI
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almost 9 years

What happened to the possibility of a game in March?

probably concentrating the money on the women in prep for the world cup, just announced  two games v Norway in Spain in April for them

Legend
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What happened to the possibility of a game in March?

Sounds a game for AWs in March window is still a chance. I see the Socceroos are free at the moment!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-newspapers/central-north...

NZ Football is working to secure a game or two in the upcoming window, which runs from March 18 to 26.

Any fixtures would clash with the semifinals of the national men's league, which doesn't break for international windows, something the leading clubs - Auckland City, Eastern Suburbs, Canterbury United, and Team Wellington - and NZ Football staff are acutely aware of.

Nine players currently at those clubs were called up or placed on standby by Schmid last year, and more could be in the mix now, especially if the coach makes his selections with an eye to the looming under-23 campaign.

Starting XI
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Having the national league semi-finals during international window seems like poor scheduling. I hope they do have a match and do use players from these teams.

Legend
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Colvinator wrote:

Having the national league semi-finals during international window seems like poor scheduling. I hope they do have a match and do use players from these teams.

I imagine it's a pretty tight schedule now to finish the Handy Prem season (and OCL matches for ACFC & TW), before the various regional winter leagues start.

So the Handy Prem, can't afford to stop for FIFA windows - esp when is no given the AWS will even have a game(s) in March, or that many Handy players would be picked - almost zero if it was a full strength AWs squad full of overseas pros.

Though you could question why do the Handy Prem semis need to be over 2 legs - so you could free up a March weekend if dropped the 2nd leg.

Starting XI
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almost 9 years

coochiee wrote:

Colvinator wrote:

Having the national league semi-finals during international window seems like poor scheduling. I hope they do have a match and do use players from these teams.

I imagine it's a pretty tight schedule now to finish the Handy Prem season (and OCL matches for ACFC & TW), before the various regional winter leagues start.

So the Handy Prem, can't afford to stop for FIFA windows - esp when is no given the AWS will even have a game(s) in March, or that many Handy players would be picked - almost zero if it was a full strength AWs squad full of overseas pros.

Though you could question why do the Handy Prem semis need to be over 2 legs - so you could free up a March weekend if dropped the 2nd leg.

Handy prem semis are one off games

Legend
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coochiee wrote:

Colvinator wrote:

Having the national league semi-finals during international window seems like poor scheduling. I hope they do have a match and do use players from these teams.

I imagine it's a pretty tight schedule now to finish the Handy Prem season (and OCL matches for ACFC & TW), before the various regional winter leagues start.

So the Handy Prem, can't afford to stop for FIFA windows - esp when is no given the AWS will even have a game(s) in March, or that many Handy players would be picked - almost zero if it was a full strength AWs squad full of overseas pros.

Though you could question why do the Handy Prem semis need to be over 2 legs - so you could free up a March weekend if dropped the 2nd leg.

Handy prem semis are one off games

Sorry thought they were two legs. Stand corrected.

Legend
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/11...

Beggars can't be choosers.

Hopefully Malaysian FA can pull tourney together.

You would suspect another NZ 'B' type selection of mostly A League & Handa Prem players. 

Plus anyone at Unattached FC (Adam Mitchell, Max Mata, Marinovic, Myer Bevan, Cory Brown etc). Brockie. The most recent AWs goal scorer Moses Dyer. 

Perhaps with an eye to Tokyo.

WeeNix
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Malaysian radio this morning saying NZ, Singapore and Oman have all confirmed interest in this tournament. Dates and venues to be confirmed...

Starting XI
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Looking at this thread after Rudan outburst about shark NZF. I had to search the current head coach is. He is the opposite from Hudson, low profile wiki page, no news. What the plan again?

Legend
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Malaysian radio this morning saying NZ, Singapore and Oman have all confirmed interest in this tournament. Dates and venues to be confirmed...

Good news. Note tourney scheduled for March FIFA window. 

2 games guaranteed. A semi, then either final or 3rd/4th playoff game.

Oman probably toughest team.

Wonder if NZF will now try shift dates of Handy Prem semis which will otherwise clash.

https://www.facebook.com/FAMalaysiaOfficial/

"FAM Receives Interest from New Zealand, Oman & Singapore

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is pleased to announce today that three teams have indicated their interest to participate in the four nations competition scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur during the upcoming FIFA days, this March.

After two teams - New Zealand and Oman that sent their participation interest earlier, today the confirmation of interest by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) completes the probable lineup of participating teams in the competition which will also feature host nation, Malaysia under the tutelage of head coach, Tan Cheng Hoe.

With the list of teams now complete, all Associations have received the Regulations and we hope to hear from all Associations with their final confirmation soon.

A press conference will be held in the near future to announce the official name of the competition, fixtures, dates and venue.

Stuart Ramalingam
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) General Secretary"

Legend
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Not sounding so promising now, re Malaysia, according to AV.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/110771653/all-whites-plans-for-march-international-window-still-yet-to-be-confirmed

I've picked a squad based on the full A League contingent, plus Handy Prem players being available - which sounds unlikely unless NZF works out some sort of deal to shift the dates of the Handy semi finals.

Wood, Rojas, Boyd, Themi & Nikko Boxall (Danish 2nd tier doesn't stop for FIFA window) all unavailable. Reid & Thomas injured.

American based players (MLS & ULS) also absent. So no Michael Boxall, Smith, Wynne, Tuiloma, Collier, Musa, Brotherton or Kyle Adams.

Unattached FC - Marinovic, Monty Patterson, Cory Brown, Myer Bevan, Gleeson, Jesse Edge - presuming are available, but of course some likely just focused on trying to find a job, and trialling somewhere. Fair enough.

So a 23 based on the above.

Keepers - Sail, Woud & Marinovic. If Marinovic not available, bring in Tzanev or Crocombe.

CBs - Mitchell, Payne, Doyle, TAHW. TAHW as a CB, as a real lack of other options. Cory Brown a possible. M Boxall maybe the one MLS player to get a club release and travel to Malaysia. He played the corresponding March window friendly verus Canada last year, lured in I imagine by the honour of the AWs captaincy.

Wingbacks - Roux, Fenton, Cacace, Mcgarry, Gulley. Jesse Edge a possible. Roux has a bit of history of not being available for the AWs.

Midfield - Singh, Rufer, Ridenton, Howieson, Wee Mac, Lewis. I think Lewis will be available as he's hardly playing at Scodhorpe, and they are now safe from relegation. Wee Mac is interesting as his career has really faded, so someone like Dyer or Nikko Kirwan could come in instead.

Forwards - Barba, De Jong, Dane Ingham, Bevan, Brockie. Brockie is on the outer in South Africa. At age 31, he's probably happy to be available & put himself in the club shop window in Malaysia. Might be his next career stop! If him & Bevan are unavailable Billingsley is probably a chance (picked for India by Schmid). Cam McCowatt has lots of fans. Jai Ingham is still injured I think. Probably best to leave Max Mata in Zurich.

My 23 includes 5 Handy Prem players (Mitchell, Payne, TAHW, Howieson & De Jong). If NZF cannot arrange a date switch for the Handy Prem semis, and those players are unavailable for the AWs, Schmid will really be struggling to assemble a side. Especially at the defensive end. No real quality, likely available replacements for Mitchell, Payne & TAHW I can see. Doyle as your most senior available CB!?

Cory Brown possibly, then maybe 33 yr old Themi could be asked. But his team Giannina is battling relegation, and it's a long way from Greece to KL, for a pair of friendlies. Steven Old (also 33) but League Two doesn't stop for the March FIFA window, and again Morecambe are fighting to avoid the drop. Francis De Vries & Tyler Lissette from Swedish 3rd tier football? Ex AW Luke Adams from the VPL?

Dura may have to come out of retirement!

Is it worth Schmid taking a bunch of players to Malaysia, just to flesh out a squad, that likely don't have a real long term future with the AWs? Doesn't sound such a good use of NZF's stretched funds?

Maybe Schmid wants to pick more than 5 Handy Prem players (ie others like Henry Cameron, McCowatt, Eli Just etc) - so gets even less enthusiastic when the Handy players become unavailable.

Read somewhere that for the A League players to all be available for Malaysia, it's likely the clubs (incl the Nix) will probably only want to see them play one full game, rather than two. Restricted playing loads, limited minutes.

With Ireland in November window being the only scheduled friendly before next year's OFC Nations Cup, what chance Schmid can assemble a full strength squad in Dublin? The European pros yes, plus the MLS/USL contingent as the American season will be finished. But will the A League clubs (incl Nix), be that happy to see their AWs players fly 20 hours to Eire, when the A League season 2019/2020 is underway. Esp the younger players who could just be making up the 23, and spend the actual game sitting on the bench.

Welcome to coaching the AWs Herr Schmid. One of the more frustrating jobs in international football. Rarely have a game, and when you do it's like herding cats.

What is annoying is that for the next few weeks the Handy Prem is almost a waste of time, esp in the bigger picture. Semi finalists already locked in. TW, ES & CU just battling to sort out spots 2-4, while rest of the league watches on. 

Cancel the last few weeks of the regular season - a few games of paper, scissors, rock - sort out the playoffs pecking order, bring the semis forward, avoid a date clash with Malaysia. Happy days!

Marquee
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Great assessment mate but it makes for grim reading...I wonder if herr coach is thinking what the shark did I get myself into!

Starting XI
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Is it a better option to try and field an U23 team with Olympic qualification in mind. 

Legend
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Ranix wrote:

Is it a better option to try and field an U23 team with Olympic qualification in mind. 

Nah, that just makes the problem worse as you shrink the pool of available players even further, ie anyone above age 23 can't be picked.

Again you would be picking a host of players, who wouldn't come close to making a full strength U23 side in Tokyo.

NZF are targeting sending an U23 side to the Pacific Games in July. That should ensure all eligible players are available, except those in MLS/USL.

Legend
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Looks like Malaysian FA, will make an announcement on Monday. Hopefully Schmid/NZF have been able to accept an invitation. AirMarine Cup?

https://www.facebook.com/FAMalaysiaOfficial/

Akan Datang | Piala AirMarine 2019

Kejohanan bola sepak antarabangsa empat negara membabitkan skuad Harimau Malaya ini akan berlangsung pada tarikh perlawanan antarabangsa FIFA, Mac ini.

Nantikan pengumumannya pada Isnin, 25 Februari 2019.

----

Coming Soon | 2019 AirMarine Cup

The four-nation international football competition involving the Harimau Malaya squad will take place in the next FIFA International Match dates, this March.

Await the announcement on Monday, 25th February 2019.

#FAM #HarimauMalaya #AirMarineCup2019

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