New Zealand Men's U-17s
0-0 at HT. Looks from the live report as if the majority of the pressure is coming from NZ.
Nil all at the half. Commentary indicates an even match.
OK - so maybe NZ have had the better opportunities... 
be interesting to see if they lose given that they apparently didnt pick a number of overseas players that expressed interest
be interesting to see if they lose given that they apparently didnt pick a number of overseas players that expressed interest
I guess if they qualify then that will vindicate Steve Cain in his squad selection.
We quite often qualify with a more local focussed team and then bring the overseas players back if we make it. By the same token though can these players play or are they just being suggested because they are overseas?
We quite often qualify with a more local focussed team and then bring the overseas players back if we make it. By the same token though can these players play or are they just being suggested because they are overseas?
I was told by a reasonably reliable source that calls were made to clubs on some of these players only to find out the clubs know nothing about them...
I was told by a reasonably reliable source that calls were made to clubs on some of these players only to find out the clubs know nothing about them...
im going to be in mexico so COYB
1-0 final score.
How do we only beat Fiji by one goal? Not a good sign.
Good to see Alex Ridsdale get on late in the game.
86' Another nice play down the right by New Zealand as Ridsdale's headed flick puts Howlett in space but Fiji's covering defender does well
Good to see Alex Ridsdale get on late in the game.
86' Another nice play down the right by New Zealand as Ridsdale's headed flick puts Howlett in space but Fiji's covering defender does well
Because they regularly have some pretty good players at this age. They'll have lots of players who want to be the next Roy Krishna.
I was told by a reasonably reliable source that calls were made to clubs on some of these players only to find out the clubs know nothing about them...
Well that's a different matter altogether. At least the "CVs" of some of these overseas players were followed up and confirmed or denied. But in the case of players legitimately signed to pro clubs, I still believe it's fair to assume that they can play but again whether they are any better than the local based players would be open to debate.
just got back to work after a "long lunch" at Horth Harbour...
I said on the way that I'd be happy with 1 -0, and I am. Fiji were very well organised and had a bit of pace on the break, but apart from the stoppage time free kick, our keeper was never tested (have actually been very impressed by Basalaj - got some height on him, good communication, claimed crosses well).
Goal was a text-book header from a corner - Vale got up above the static defence to head in - although it was about the only one of about 15 corners that we managed to get a decent effort from.
Both sides struggled to play with the wind at their backs - for the first half, we kept launching the ball into the right-hand corner, and on a hard and dry field, the wind carried it straight out - although some times it wasn't such a bad idea, as Fiji then gave the ball straight back from the throw in or goal kick.
Despite basically now being out, Fiji never really seemed keen to throw people forward to try to find a goal, and we were deserving winners - certainly created more chances, although the side really lacked some creativity.
The game degenerated into a mess in the second half, with numerous stoppages for cramp - I think games every 2 days in this heat is probably expecting a bit too much.
Because they regularly have some pretty good players at this age.� They'll have lots of players who want to be the next Roy Krishna.
So they want to be the next 'Waitakere United striker?' What about all those young kiwis who want to be the next Ryan Nelsen, Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon etc..
Average again today. Lucky to come away with a 1-0 win. If Fiji could a) have the bottle to shoot and b) finish properly when shooting, then we would have been toast.
I believe the Island teams are improving. Vanautu played some nice football against nz but couldnt defend set pieces and at times were actually the better team. Fiji troubled NZ more up the park and looked ok at times. I think we just have to admit that this is a weak NZ side, not alot of talent out on show. Solid at the back, Awful in midfield and average at best upfront. I think we will get through this tournament but not many of these players will cope at the next level. Cain should look at overseas players as soon as possible.
Solid at the back, Awful in midfield and average at best upfront.
Agree with this, in particular the bold. The two centre mids are a joke. I thought we were playing rugby with the amount of raking touch finders they had to offer.
Probably just deserved to win .
Conditions were a little difficult with the wind but very average performance although if they had scored in the first 5-10 minutes when they had Fiji under all sorts of pressure then it may have been different.
Gave the ball away an awful lot and a better side would have really punished them (as would any decent side at the finals assuming we qualify which I'm not totally convinced about !)
If you take away the first half against vanuatu who seemed overawed, then the performances have been very average.They should still qualify for the final but tahiti could be difficult (although a little lucky to beat the Solomons).
No one really has impressed - perhaps the GK Basalaj, Adams at CB , and Payne in patchs .
Have the best local players even been picked.
There is a lot of debate there and from what i have heard andread Cain is not exactly a popular figure, nor is he rated as a coach by too many.
If we are going to be competative at the u17 world cup we will have to make huge strides.
TouchMe...im not sure if the best players have been picked or not because i dont get along to watch many youth games. However if that is the best bunch we have in this country at this age level then we are in big strife. I know its not nice to knock young lads because they are giving it their best, they are a bunch of tryers...but the fact is most are not good footballers.
Have the best local players even been picked.
There is a lot of debate there and from what i have heard andread Cain is not exactly a popular figure, nor is he rated as a coach by too many.
If we are going to be competative at the u17 world cup we will have to make huge strides.
If what people have said is correct and at the moment qualifying and preparing a team are handled separately (i.e. overseas players aren't involved until we've qualified) then that to me is a complete waste. Do we give up on an age group just because we didn't make an international tournament?
I know we focus on the 20s and Olympics more but by then it's too late, we need much more complete footballers at that age than we are getting. Andrew Boyens is a classic example, his development is coming far too late and now at what 26/27 when he should be coming into his prime he is still learning the game. It all needs to happen so much earlier and evey international at those younger ages needs to be taken seriously.
Have the best local players even been picked.
There is a lot of debate there and from what i have heard andread Cain is not exactly a popular figure, nor is he rated as a coach by too many.
�
If we are going to be competative at the u17 world cup we will have to make huge strides.
�
If what people have said is correct and at the moment qualifying and preparing a team are handled separately (i.e. overseas players aren't involved until we've qualified) then that to me is a complete waste.� Do we give up on an age group just because we didn't make an international tournament?�
�
I know we focus on the 20s and Olympics more but by then it's too late, we need much more complete footballers at that age than we are getting.� Andrew Boyens is a classic example, his development is coming far too late and now at what 26/27 when he should be coming into his prime he is still learning the game.� It all needs to happen so much earlier and evey international at those younger ages needs to be taken seriously.
andy boyens - that is the stupidest thing ive heard on here
Wonder if they're brothers. Be damn confusing.
twin brothers according to the program!
Gavin Gilbert and his team mate from Hamilton Wanderers, Jason Walker, 17, have been invited back to Kilmarnock FC, Scotland for further trials in April. They are looking forward to this opportunity and hope to be successful in securing places in the U19 squad for the club for the 2011/12 season.
Have the best local players even been picked.
There is a lot of debate there and from what i have heard andread Cain is not exactly a popular figure, nor is he rated as a coach by too many.
If we are going to be competative at the u17 world cup we will have to make huge strides.
If what people have said is correct and at the moment qualifying and preparing a team are handled separately (i.e. overseas players aren't involved until we've qualified) then that to me is a complete waste. Do we give up on an age group just because we didn't make an international tournament?
I know we focus on the 20s and Olympics more but by then it's too late, we need much more complete footballers at that age than we are getting. Andrew Boyens is a classic example, his development is coming far too late and now at what 26/27 when he should be coming into his prime he is still learning the game. It all needs to happen so much earlier and evey international at those younger ages needs to be taken seriously.
andy boyens - that is the stupidest thing ive heard on here
Well done - completely missed the point. It is an example, Andy at 26 is pretty much where he needed to be at 18 if was ever going to make it properly. That's a clear failure of the system and will keep happening if we only provide input into age grades to help them prepare for international tournaments.
Have the best local players even been picked.
There is a lot of debate there and from what i have heard andread Cain is not exactly a popular figure, nor is he rated as a coach by too many.
�
If we are going to be competative at the u17 world cup we will have to make huge strides.
�
If what people have said is correct and at the moment qualifying and preparing a team are handled separately (i.e. overseas players aren't involved until we've qualified) then that to me is a complete waste.� Do we give up on an age group just because we didn't make an international tournament?�
�
I know we focus on the 20s and Olympics more but by then it's too late, we need much more complete footballers at that age than we are getting.� Andrew Boyens is a classic example, his development is coming far too late and now at what 26/27 when he should be coming into his prime he is still learning the game.� It all needs to happen so much earlier and evey international at those younger ages needs to be taken seriously.
�
Well done - completely missed the point.� It is an example, Andy at 26 is pretty much where he needed to be at 18 if was ever going to make it properly.� That's a clear failure of the system and will keep happening if we only provide input into age grades to help them prepare for international tournaments.
i didnt miss any point if thats what your calling it
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
NZ vs American Samoa kicked off about 15 minutes ago. 0-0 so far. Live updates here:
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/cb850e60-3de1-42a6-be87-117795156926/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/cb850e60-3de1-42a6-be87-117795156926/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Playing the ressies by the looks of it?
i didnt miss any point if thats what your calling it
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
oldbastard2011-01-14 13:56:37
Playing the ressies by the looks of it?
Yep - going by results, they probably think that this game is a gimme so giving some of the fringe players some game time. Probably a sound assumption but potential banana skin I suppose.
24' GOAL!!! New Zealand 1, American Samoa 0: Captain Luke Adams knocks a great ball forward to Rory Turner, who squares for James Wypych to finish off
Whippy's scored! Good lad. I work with his mum - she'll be pleased!
Whippy's scored! Good lad. I work with his mum - she'll be pleased!
1-0 at 1/2 time. Sounds like we're dominating but just not finishing the chances. A lot of shots from distance with AS playing very defensively.
i didnt miss any point if thats what your calling it
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
Well, if you call a handful of players getting trials/professional contracts with pro clubs overseas a roaring success, then sure, the system is fine.� Of course, it was a great achievement to make it out of the group stages the last time around.� However, I would tend to agree with james dean in that unless you make it to an international level then NZ Football isn't really interested (certainly from what I've seen at federation level in Wellington).� I guess we'll just have to see what comes out of the "Whole of Football" programme, which is still in its infancy, but in my experience with my lad thus far, if you don't make an international squad then it's very much down to the individual to "go it alone" as far as player development is concerned, without a great deal of care from NZ Football.� Just my 2c - other peoples' experiences may be better/different.
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
well i think the national youth league proves NZ Football is interested.
and kids are certainly being looked at at federation level - james musa
send your kids to WYNERS
Have watched both American Samoa games so far and witnessed some very poor football from them.
ThreeFourThree2011-01-14 14:48:38
i didnt miss any point if thats what your calling it
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
Well, if you call a handful of players getting trials/professional contracts with pro clubs overseas a roaring success, then sure, the system is fine. Of course, it was a great achievement to make it out of the group stages the last time around. However, I would tend to agree with james dean in that unless you make it to an international level then NZ Football isn't really interested (certainly from what I've seen at federation level in Wellington). I guess we'll just have to see what comes out of the "Whole of Football" programme, which is still in its infancy, but in my experience with my lad thus far, if you don't make an international squad then it's very much down to the individual to "go it alone" as far as player development is concerned, without a great deal of care from NZ Football. Just my 2c - other peoples' experiences may be better/different.
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
well i think the national youth league proves NZ Football is interested.
and kids are certainly being looked at at federation level - james musa
send your kids to WYNERS
My lad already attends Stu Jacobs' Capital Kaizen Academy due to the lack of quality development opportunities at federation level (at present).
Also, I could be wrong on this, and I'm not saying that he didn't develop through the Federation structure but if memory serves correctly, James Musa was spotted at the Napier U19s tournament playing for Wanganui and recommended to the Phoenix. Nothing to do with Feds as far as I'm aware. Happy to stand corrected on this but that's what I'd heard. Also, one example hardly proves the case, does it?
So, no, nothing you've said thus far convinces me that NZ Football is truly interested in player development at all levels (yet). As I said, I'll reserve judgement to see what comes out of the "Whole of Football" programme, but I won't be holding my breath.
65' GOAL!!! New Zealand 2, American Samoa 0: New Zealand finally go two goals up when Rory Turner neatly finishes off a Cameron Howieson cross
Rory Turner?
Related to any of the previous football Turner's out there?
i didnt miss any point if thats what your calling it
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
Well, if you call a handful of players getting trials/professional contracts with pro clubs overseas a roaring success, then sure, the system is fine.� Of course, it was a great achievement to make it out of the group stages the last time around.� However, I would tend to agree with james dean in that unless you make it to an international level then NZ Football isn't really interested (certainly from what I've seen at federation level in Wellington).� I guess we'll just have to see what comes out of the "Whole of Football" programme, which is still in its infancy, but in my experience with my lad thus far, if you don't make an international squad then it's very much down to the individual to "go it alone" as far as player development is concerned, without a great deal of care from NZ Football.� Just my 2c - other peoples' experiences may be better/different.
the team made the last 16 last time and several players ended up trialing or at professional clubs.
wouldnt exactly call that a failure of the system
well i think the national youth league proves NZ Football is interested.
and kids are certainly being looked at at federation level - james musa
send your kids to WYNERS
well its talent (musa) being spotted at a level thats not international nonetheless and while its only one example, its an example of us being on the right track i think anyway.
but yes let's see what happens. good luck to your son :)