First Team Squad
1K
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1.7K
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over 15 years

From their Facebook page:

Marquee
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5.1K
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almost 13 years

Provisional plans

Marquee
3.3K
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5.1K
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almost 13 years

Thought this might be the case instead of NZ players doing two weeks in isolation just to play one game

Woof Woof
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19K
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over 16 years
Lawyerish
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4.8K
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about 13 years

best cacere signs quickly

WeeNix
150
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950
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over 12 years

We gonna do them.

Legend
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14K
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over 16 years

hay not really thinking about winning, just getting the exposure.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/300059270/all-whites-coach-danny-hay-excited-to-have-the-opportunity-to-play-world-no-1-belgium

Hay was relaxed about potentially having to call on a Europe-centric squad, even if it meant the All Whites wouldn’t necessarily be at full strength against an elite opponent.

“At the end of the day, this is an opportunity,” he said.

“Is this all about us trying to beat the world No 1, or is this about the bigger picture?

“If we can expose players to a team of this magnitude, irrespective of whether that’s absolutely the number one squad I can assemble, we can start to find out a bit about them.

“It’s exciting for me either way. Whether we have every player possible, or just those from Europe – it’s too big an opportunity to turn down.”

Legend
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21K
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almost 9 years

Europe and the US are still closed off to each other?

The MLS crew might be useful for this fixture.

A solely Europe based run on side could be something like -

Woud, Cacace?, Pijnaker, Smith, Themi, Dalton Wilkins, Bell, Thomas, Singh, Just, Wood

Could be a little ugly without any of Reid, M Boxall or Tuiloma.

Starting XI
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3K
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almost 7 years

hoping for someone like Stamenic too if he signs overseas by then

First Team Squad
2.9K
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1.9K
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over 6 years

Awesome if it does go ahead. Even if belgium fields a third choice team we'll get tonked but what an experience for some of our young players in Europe. 

Starting XI
550
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2.4K
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over 14 years

Wouldn't be surprised if the All Whites win this tbh.

Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
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almost 17 years

coochiee wrote:

Europe and the US are still closed off to each other?

The MLS crew might be useful for this fixture.

A solely Europe based run on side could be something like -

Woud, Cacace?, Pijnaker, Smith, Themi, Dalton Wilkins, Bell, Thomas, Singh, Just, Wood

Could be a little ugly without any of Reid, M Boxall or Tuiloma.

Old?  Probably played the most minutes of any kiwi in a half decent professional environment over the last couple of years.

Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
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almost 17 years

I really hope Europe will allow fans in by then as planning a Covid road trip around the time of this game.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Marto wrote:

coochiee wrote:

Europe and the US are still closed off to each other?

The MLS crew might be useful for this fixture.

A solely Europe based run on side could be something like -

Woud, Cacace?, Pijnaker, Smith, Themi, Dalton Wilkins, Bell, Thomas, Singh, Just, Wood

Could be a little ugly without any of Reid, M Boxall or Tuiloma.

Old?  Probably played the most minutes of any kiwi in a half decent professional environment over the last couple of years.

 

If game goes ahead and is restricted to solely Euro based players, then yipe 34 yr old Steven Old would be in the mix. But don't forget he was playing for a bottom club in League Two, a team ranked about a lowly 90 on the English Pyramid.

Really there would be nil future value in having guys like Old or Themi (also 34) playing, but if you have to cobble a squad solely from Europe together, they would probably both be in there.

I imagine one of the many factors to get sorted, before confirming the game, is whether travel between the US and Europe will open up without any quarantine requirements at either end. With fears of a '2nd Covid wave', doesn't seem Americans (or those resident in the US) will be welcomed to the old continent any time soon.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/07/15/europe-travel-eu-borders-stay-shut-americans-us/#29c38f1f7b85

If the MLS guys could travel freely to Belgium with no quarantine requirements, Hay could assemble a pretty strong side (injuries permitting). 

However remaining MLS regular season dates post the current Orlando tourney (finishes early August) have still to be confirmed. MLS season normally finishes November, with those teams not making the playoffs all done by October. However this MLS regular season may go longer into November - playoffs December even (though by then the winter snow/chill can be happening in northern states!).

In other words many of the US contingent may not to available for an AWs v Belgium game scheduled for 8th October, even if travel between US & Europe has opened up.

An AWs side without it's US based defenders, would be a far weaker side when forced to roll out the likes of Old, Themi or any greenhorns like Pijnaker, Wilkins etc. Also Smith hasn't played for months, and is currently sans a club.

Good news (or bad news on your point of view), is that if the game goes ahead it will likely be Belgium 'B'. The Belgians have a UEFA Nations League, scheduled against England (Wembley) a few days later on 11th October. That will obviously be the first choice Belgium side, who are also scheduled to play Nations Leagues games in September (Denmark & Iceland). If those Sept games go ahead their top players won't need an extra match against lowly NZ.

So like the Irish game last November, expect the hosts to roll out a 2nd string side.

Phoenix Academy
330
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160
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about 4 years

I am not sure that planning anything in October is a good idea. Covid19 is making an ugly return to the European scene. Belgium has had a 50% increase in positive cases in the last week. Barcelona is in full lockdown again. There have been big spikes in several areas in Germany and France. France is thinking of closing it’s border with Spain. Unfortunately it seems the summer holiday season has caused a resurgence. Everything was fine before but with now with everyone traveling around on holiday the Virus is back. Hopefully they can contain the spread and the match will happen....fingers crossed. 

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

If game was too happen, would make some sense to hold it in London, at Loftus Road, Craven Cottage or somewhere.

Belgium are scheduled to have a UEFA Nations League game a few days later on Sept 11th against England at Wembley.

Read somewhere that Boris has given green light for crowds to return to British sport. So Covid situation is now better in the UK than mainland Europe?

Belgium actually currently has the 2nd worst Covid death rate per capita in the world (if stats can be trusted), behind only San Marino.

Woof Woof
2.7K
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19K
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over 16 years

coochiee wrote:
 

Belgium actually currently has the 2nd worst Covid death rate per capita in the world (if stats can be trusted), behind only San Marino.

That figure is a bit misleading because like NZ, Belgium has reported 'suspected' deaths from Covid (i.e. untested/unconfirmed cases) as well as confirmed. Pretty much all other European countries (and the US) have reported only confirmed deaths.

Marquee
1.3K
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5.3K
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over 16 years

el grapadura wrote:

coochiee wrote:
 

Belgium actually currently has the 2nd worst Covid death rate per capita in the world (if stats can be trusted), behind only San Marino.

That figure is a bit misleading because like NZ, Belgium has reported 'suspected' deaths from Covid (i.e. untested/unconfirmed cases) as well as confirmed. Pretty much all other European countries (and the US) have reported only confirmed deaths.

I may be wrong but I thought what we provide to WHO is different from what we report to media - the suspected cases are not given to WHO.

https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/nz

Woof Woof
2.7K
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19K
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over 16 years

Bullion wrote:

el grapadura wrote:

coochiee wrote:
 

Belgium actually currently has the 2nd worst Covid death rate per capita in the world (if stats can be trusted), behind only San Marino.

That figure is a bit misleading because like NZ, Belgium has reported 'suspected' deaths from Covid (i.e. untested/unconfirmed cases) as well as confirmed. Pretty much all other European countries (and the US) have reported only confirmed deaths.

I may be wrong but I thought what we provide to WHO is different from what we report to media - the suspected cases are not given to WHO.

https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/nz

Yes, but our death count includes both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid.

Starting XI
910
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2.3K
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almost 12 years

coochiee wrote:

Read somewhere that Boris has given green light for crowds to return to British sport. So Covid situation is now better in the UK than mainland Europe?

Big mistake assuming that what Boris Johnson decides to do is in anyway evidence-based or prudent.

Legend
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14K
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over 16 years

Fitzy wrote:

coochiee wrote:

Read somewhere that Boris has given green light for crowds to return to British sport. So Covid situation is now better in the UK than mainland Europe?

Big mistake assuming that what Boris Johnson decides to do is in anyway evidence-based or prudent.

Covid situation is no better in the UK than anywhere, Boris is just another crazy politician who thinks he knows better than everyone else.

Trialist
110
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63
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over 4 years

Could be looking at something like this? Could have added more players but you're looking at pub level football at this stage. Bold are players that are featuring in the top tier of their nation's pyramid

Goalkeepers: 

Michael Woud (Almere City, Netherlands)

Nik Tzanev (AFC Wimbeldon, England) 

Cameron Hogg (Umea FC, Sweden) 

Defenders:

Tommy Smith (Unattatched) 

Themi Tzimopolous (Korona Kielce, Poland) 

Steven Old (Unattatched) 

George Stanger (Hamilton Academical, Scotland)

Nikko Boxall (Viborg FF, Denmark)

Nando Pijnaker (Grasshoppers, Switzerland)

Dylan De Jong (Kiryan Shmona, Israel)  

Dalton Wilkins (Helsingor, Denmark) 

Midfielders:

Ryan Thomas (PSV, Netherlands) 

Sarpreet Singh (Bayern Munchen, Germany) 

Joe Bell (Viking FK, Norway) 

Joel Stevens (Ettan Sodra, Sweden)

Niko Kirwan (Reggio Audace, Italy) 

Chris James (Klubi 04, Finland)

Attackers 

Chris Wood (Burnley, England) 

Matt Garbett (Falkenbergs, Sweden)

Elijah Just (Helsingor, Denmark) 

Max Mata (Grasshoppers, Switzerland) 

Ryan De Vries (Sligo Rovers, Ireland) 

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

I’d say that’s a pretty comprehensive above list. Of course between now and October Cacace could be another.
Fine for midfielders, wingers and strikers.

Poor options in defence, with most of the guys listed there unlikely to have much of an AWs future past this planned game. Which makes value of the fixture somewhat questionable.

Again I’m sure Hay would be hoping some of his MLS defenders could cross the Atlantic, but that seems slim at the moment.

Trialist
110
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63
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over 4 years

Monty Patterson is also floating about in the 4th tier of Norwegian football... how did his career derail so much at 23??

Starting XI
2.5K
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2.4K
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over 8 years

Monty Patterson is also floating about in the 4th tier of Norwegian football... how did his career derail so much at 23??

Cos he's not very good
Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
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almost 17 years

el grapadura wrote:

coochiee wrote:
 

Belgium actually currently has the 2nd worst Covid death rate per capita in the world (if stats can be trusted), behind only San Marino.

That figure is a bit misleading because like NZ, Belgium has reported 'suspected' deaths from Covid (i.e. untested/unconfirmed cases) as well as confirmed. Pretty much all other European countries (and the US) have reported only confirmed deaths.

The UK is the world leader in false Covid deaths.  My wife works in Emergency care for the NHS and anyone who MAY be suspected of having had Covd at any time prior to death, even months before, is classed as having died with Covid.  

I think the real numbers for the UK are a lot lower then published unlike other countries (Mexico, Iran, Russia, China, Brazil etc) where the numbers are likely to be much higher.

As an employee of BA and closely involved with North American travel, it's looking like travel between the states and Europe will not be happening for a long time to come unless the USA sorts itself out pronto so struggle to see Boxy etc in Europe for this game.

Starting XI
3K
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3K
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almost 7 years

Monty Patterson is also floating about in the 4th tier of Norwegian football... how did his career derail so much at 23??

he's playing NRFL this season

Appiah without the pace
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19K
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over 16 years

Posted without comment

Speaking to the Weekend Herald , Hay said he had "absolutely no doubt" the fixture came as a direct result of how his side approached the game against Ireland.

"I know Roberto Martinez in particular wouldn't have left a stone unturned in terms of looking to find an opposition who play a style of football that will align with what they want to get out of the game," Hay said.

"So I think the fact we try to do things differently to any other New Zealand team at international level, it's allowed us to stand in good stead in Belgium's eyes."

Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
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almost 17 years

Given that most European countries have placed quarantine on persons visiting Belgium this game is looking very shaky unless played in a neutral country or behind closed doors.

Marquee
1.7K
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8.1K
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over 16 years

Marto wrote:

Given that most European countries have placed quarantine on persons visiting Belgium this game is looking very shaky unless played in a neutral country or behind closed doors.

We've got some Eurostar flexi tickets booked just in case it all comes together - fully expecting we'll end up post-poning our trip as CBF quarantining.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Given Belgium are scheduled to play England a few days later on 11th October at Wembley (AWs game being 8th), could it be played in London?

Even just a closed door match at an English FA training facility, a facility say that visiting overseas teams normally train at. AWs played Canada behind closed doors in Spain a few years ago, and that was well before Covid-19 was on everyone's lips.

Would of course need help of English FA, and other UK authorities. And their NHS no doubt has bigger issues than trying to help out re any health measures for 2 neutral football teams in Blighty.

Actually struggling to see the motivation of Belgium FA with bothering with this AWs fixture. They have 2 UEFA Nations League games scheduled in earlier FIFA September window (Denmark & Iceland). Then 3 games to be crammed into the October window now (AWs, 3 Lions & Iceland return game). By September all the Euro club leagues will be well under way, so their players in no real need of match fitness.

https://us.soccerway.com/teams/belgium/belgium/281/

Why bother with playing NZ?  Unless is some fear, the September games will be canned and they want a little warm up for Wembley?

However see Hay as obviously being very very keen on this fixture. Putting aside any personal agenda stuff he may have, if this game doesn't happen, he's likely to go over 18 months without any contact work with his top Euro based players. From that Nov 19 fixture (vs Ireland) to say OFC matches in June 2021. Looks like OFC World Cup qualifying may begin March 2021. Any AW matches in that window would likely be just A League/Handy Prem guys. June 2021 being in the Euro club off seasons you may get some Euro guys willing to quarantine 2 weeks in an Auckland hotel, if that will still be a need to enter NZ.

But yeah basically opportunities for Hay to get his Euro & MLS based players together, pre late next year maybe, is going to be Covid challenging. If they can pull off the October Belgian game with a Euro based crew, they may even try do the same again in the following November FIFA window if any other Euro team has an empty match day slot. Also by November the MLS regular season is scheduled to be completed, so if by chance travel from the USA to the EU was an option (does appear unlikely) a few MLS players could be available.

Or even a November London game against a Euro based Socceroos. Aussie have some AFC fixtures scheduled for October & November - Kuwait (7th October), Nepal, Chinese Taipei & Jordan. Those games (if they happen) could just be A League Socceroo selections. What the chance of a hastily organised A League AWs verus A League Socceroos run around, post the August 31st Grand Final? Or earlier whenever Nix's season is over. Talay & Greenacre as honorary NZ coaches - Hay can link up some sessions by video. 

https://us.soccerway.com/teams/australia/australia/156/

Lastly guys like Joel Stevens, N Boxall, Ryan de Vries, Niko Kirwan must be watching this closely. If they got picked for a fixture like this (even closed doors & is Belgium B) could almost be a career highlight for some. Plus great experience for all the youngsters like Garbett, Pjnaker, Wilkins etc (again if picked). Social distancing requirements may reduce the selfie opportunities though.

Getting paid to be here
700
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970
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over 6 years

coochiee wrote:

Given Belgium are scheduled to play England a few days later on 11th October at Wembley (AWs game being 8th), could it be played in London?

Even just a closed door match at an English FA training facility, a facility say that visiting overseas teams normally train at. AWs played Canada behind closed doors in Spain a few years ago, and that was well before Covid-19 was on everyone's lips.

Would of course need help of English FA, and other UK authorities. And their NHS no doubt has bigger issues than trying to help out re any health measures for 2 neutral football teams in Blighty.

Actually struggling to see the motivation of Belgium FA with bothering with this AWs fixture. They have 2 UEFA Nations League games scheduled in earlier FIFA September window (Denmark & Iceland). Then 3 games to be crammed into the October window now (AWs, 3 Lions & Iceland return game). By September all the Euro club leagues will be well under way, so their players in no real need of match fitness.

https://us.soccerway.com/teams/belgium/belgium/281/

Why bother with playing NZ?  Unless is some fear, the September games will be canned and they want a little warm up for Wembley?

However see Hay as obviously being very very keen on this fixture. Putting aside any personal agenda stuff he may have, if this game doesn't happen, he's likely to go over 18 months without any contact work with his top Euro based players. From that Nov 19 fixture (vs Ireland) to say OFC matches in June 2021. Looks like OFC World Cup qualifying may begin March 2021. Any AW matches in that window would likely be just A League/Handy Prem guys. June 2021 being in the Euro club off seasons you may get some Euro guys willing to quarantine 2 weeks in an Auckland hotel, if that will still be a need to enter NZ.

But yeah basically opportunities for Hay to get his Euro & MLS based players together, pre late next year maybe, is going to be Covid challenging. If they can pull off the October Belgian game with a Euro based crew, they may even try do the same again in the following November FIFA window if any other Euro team has an empty match day slot. Also by November the MLS regular season is scheduled to be completed, so if by chance travel from the USA to the EU was an option (does appear unlikely) a few MLS players could be available.

Or even a November London game against a Euro based Socceroos. Aussie have some AFC fixtures scheduled for October & November - Kuwait (7th October), Nepal, Chinese Taipei & Jordan. Those games (if they happen) could just be A League Socceroo selections. What the chance of a hastily organised A League AWs verus A League Socceroos run around, post the August 31st Grand Final? Or earlier whenever Nix's season is over. Talay & Greenacre as honorary NZ coaches - Hay can link up some sessions by video. 

https://us.soccerway.com/teams/australia/australia/156/

Lastly guys like Joel Stevens, N Boxall, Ryan de Vries, Niko Kirwan must be watching this closely. If they got picked for a fixture like this (even closed doors & is Belgium B) could almost be a career highlight for some. Plus great experience for all the youngsters like Garbett, Pjnaker, Wilkins etc (again if picked). Social distancing requirements may reduce the selfie opportunities though.

I don't believe Ryan de Vries is eligible to play for New Zealand.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Andrew - any rumours out of Albany of trying to get some sort of AWs v Socceroos fixture happening?

Given Pragnell's comments after 2023 WWC joint bid hosting win, that relationship with FFA had improved blah blah

Getting paid to be here
700
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970
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over 6 years

coochiee wrote:

Andrew - any rumours out of Albany of trying to get some sort of AWs v Socceroos fixture happening?

Given Pragnell's comments after 2023 WWC joint bid hosting win, that relationship with FFA had improved blah blah

All quiet on the trans-Tasman front.

That talk was really predicated on their being a trans-Tasman bubble, which we now know is off the cards until next year.

The commercial benefits aren't anywhere near a sure thing as they are for rugby/netball which are looking at what might be possible in a world where a 14-day quarantine is required.

Activity in the women's and age-group space is more likely as we head back to normal.

Fifa moving the WCQ intercontinental playoff to June 2022 has probably ended any chance of having an All Whites-Socceroos centenary fixture that month too.

Woof Woof
2.7K
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19K
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over 16 years

 

Fifa moving the WCQ intercontinental playoff to June 2022 has probably ended any chance of having an All Whites-Socceroos centenary fixture that month too.

Well, it could be the play-off match up...

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

coochiee wrote:

Andrew - any rumours out of Albany of trying to get some sort of AWs v Socceroos fixture happening?

Given Pragnell's comments after 2023 WWC joint bid hosting win, that relationship with FFA had improved blah blah

All quiet on the trans-Tasman front.

That talk was really predicated on their being a trans-Tasman bubble, which we now know is off the cards until next year.

The commercial benefits aren't anywhere near a sure thing as they are for rugby/netball which are looking at what might be possible in a world where a 14-day quarantine is required.

Activity in the women's and age-group space is more likely as we head back to normal.

Fifa moving the WCQ intercontinental playoff to June 2022 has probably ended any chance of having an All Whites-Socceroos centenary fixture that month too.

Cheers. Was not aware 2022 is All Whites vs Socceroos centenary year.

Actually based on the last 2017 intercontinental playoffs for Russia, if OFC drew the AFC pool ball, it's NZ verus Australia home and away. 

Unlikely for the planets to align that way come June 2022, but with Euro clubs seasons finishing usually early-mid May there is probably room for a good tough international game (and AWs may seriously lack those in this cycle with no Confeds Cup) late May/early June 2022, as a warmup for the 2 big intercontinental playoff games. 

So if full strength Socceroos are free about then maybe a fixture could be sorted. Sarpreet says we would be favourites. And yes AWs need to qualify out of OFC first, before planning for the intercontinental playoffs.

That's why a rushed A League AWs v Socceroos type fixture, with the Nix currently in Aussie, after they are knocked out may have been worth an idea. Even if Hay is not there in person, a chance to run a few combinations with other Kiwis with A League clubs before March 2021 games against OFC teams. Also Arnie is probably keen for his A League Socceroos to have a hit up, with upcoming AFC matches (if they happen). Maybe another opportunity will happen if Nix have again to base themselves in Oz for the start of 2020/2021 season.

First Team Squad
2K
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1.9K
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almost 17 years

That talk was really predicated on their being a trans-Tasman bubble, which we now know is off the cards until next year.

There must almost be enough kiwis currently in Australia to form a team for a one off game... all the NZ Phoenix guys, plus Rojas, Roux, Barbarouses, Dane/Jai Ingham, Ridenton, Stensness... 

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Crocombe. Brockie. Weemac if still there. It would be a skinny side, but maybe enough as a one off. 

But would have to be organised super quick before the Nix headed to the the Sydney Airport departure lounge, and guys with families back in NZ, may just be over being away from their whanau by then. 

A game in NZ in front of fans, with some Handy Prem former AWs (Lewis, Doyle, Howieson, Bevan, Adam Mitchell, Gulley, Henry Cameron etc) fleecing out a squad makes more sense. James McGarry is around. But yeah with the Trans Tasman travel bubble not happening, kills any idea of that for now.

Legend
11K
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21K
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almost 9 years

Back to the Belgian game. I just saw this article on Lydia Ko being able to play golf in both USA & UK within a week.

Might mean there is a chance to get some of the AWs MLS based crew to play in this October friendly. 

But given - MLS regular season will still be going in October, game is actually scheduled for Belgium not UK, and if you need to fly mega expensive charter style to get the travel exemption - still looks in too hard basket for likes of Reid, M Boxall, Tuiloma, Wynne, Musa, Billingsley & Collier. Who would likely all be picked if fit.

All moot anyway if game doesn't happen. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/golf/300079350/how-lydia-ko-plays-in-the-us-and-scotland-the-same-week-during-covid19-pandemic

The UK has a foreign athlete quarantine exemption, which allows top sportspeople from overseas to avoid the 14-day quarantine required upon arriving.

It’s understood the LPGA will have charter flights with socially distanced seating to take players and caddies from Ohio – where Ko finished runner-up in the Marathon Classic on Monday (NZ time) – to Scotland, with a return to the US at the end of the month.

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