A bit fortunate, thought Guatemala were unlucky. Wasn't a whole lot created bar the goal and feel that would have been swept had the keeper change not been enforced by the knee to the head. Lot of possession but passing centre-back to centre-back is defensive possession not attacking possession. 3 points means only really a draw needed to progress though, so get ready for All Whites gig Bazeley.
A lot of fouls let go by the ref, glad no real repercussions came from that. A gutsy effort, but a bit boring to be honest. Hoping they'll play a bit more accurately going forward.
Another positive was it was a good showing for the Phoenix academy, half the lineup seemed to be Wellington Phoenix players.
Which makes it strange so few got any minutes this season just gone. Particularly Surman who looked quite assured and strong at the back.
Conchie, Karunaratne looked very good value. Ben Wallace with some tidy and composed play when he came on for the final 20 or so minutes as well. Defence was solid as a rock and rarely found themselves under pressure like we have seen at this level in years gone by.
Lots of good young talent coming out of this country at the minute.
For all the ball we had in the first half, we did nothing really with it and didn't have any strikes on goal of any note. Guatemala for their part, looked cagey and struggled to break down a very solid back 3/5 and could only take shots from distance. Colloty did well to hold the ball up, but there was often no one near him when he did get the ball. Just looked to recycle in back to the mids, who went back to the backs. It was all rather boring. Karutaratane and Herdman a couple short dribbles, but nothing of note. DMs were solid. Second half, I think we looked to sit back and wait for the pockets to start opening up as Guatemala looked for a goal (it was weird, we were setting up to counter, but trying to dominate possession?). Aside from the goal, Garbett didn't do anything of note on attack, but worked hard to defend from the front. Wallace made a good impact, a nice shot and some trickery - was good to see the change in formation. We got better. MOM for me, Surman. Lead the backline brilliantly. We barely gave away a free kick all game in our defensive third and dominated the challenges/set pieces. Conchie was solid in the middle, nice assist. But neither he or Manuel looked to get on the ball as much as I would have liked. Lots and lots of passing the ball back and side ways.
Hopefully we can put it down to being the first game of the comp and neither team wanting to take risks and lose. Next game we'll have a bit of confidence.
Uzbekistan will be real test of where the team is I think. They looked good vs Argentina and probably unlucky not to draw. Their pace is going to be a big factor
My take (having only seen the second half) was that we didn’t have much threat in the attacking third and a fair few passes were hit lazily and went straight out. Hopefully they’ll be more settled next game and things can flow more.
The ref seemed to let a lot go, much of which seemed to go against us. Guatemala were happy to go down under minimal contact while also having some pretty cynical players, particularly Montaña (I think his name was) on the left.
All of that said, Herdman, Surman and Karunaratne looked good and one of our blokes in the midfield had a few good runs through a number of their players (unsure who it was).
Pretty low key response on this thread. We just won our opening game at a world cup. FIRE UP. Now in an excellent position to progress from the group.
PS. Not surprising but spotted John Herdman in the side line crowd at the end of the sky coverage. Go-on John, NZ coach would be the perfect gig for you.
Pretty low key response on this thread. We just won our opening game at a world cup. FIRE UP. Now in an excellent position to progress from the group.
PS. Not surprising but spotted John Herdman in the side line crowd at the end of the sky coverage. Go-on John, NZ coach would be the perfect gig for you.
The top two go through, as well as the four best third-place teams... I think we'll struggle to get top two (Argentina at home is obviously very tough, and Uzbekistan looked really good at times against them) but 4/6 third place teams going through means I agree we are in an excellent position now (although downside of finishing 3rd is I assume that means we would play one of the other group winners).
Pretty low key response on this thread. We just won our opening game at a world cup. FIRE UP. Now in an excellent position to progress from the group.
PS. Not surprising but spotted John Herdman in the side line crowd at the end of the sky coverage. Go-on John, NZ coach would be the perfect gig for you.
The top two go through, as well as the four best third-place teams... I think we'll struggle to get top two (Argentina at home is obviously very tough, and Uzbekistan looked really good at times against them) but 4/6 third place teams going through means I agree we are in an excellent position now (although downside of finishing 3rd is I assume that means we would play one of the other group winners).
If we draw with Uzbek then we can easily finish 2nd or 3rd in the group. A win and we would most likely finish second. But kinda hope that Arg win there next match, so when they play us they might rotate. And we play our strongest team.
Lot of talk about one of our midfielders being offered a senior contract with the NIX, which is awesome... except they are now on the world stage with nothing locking them into us. If we do go into the next rounds and do well, then the likes of Conchie, Karunaratane, Manuel etc will get sniffs from overseas and we could be in the position of not getting any of our first picks. Would have been better to have them locked in - even if on a scholarship deal or something. That way we could at least sell them. As it stands, all of them bar Surman could leave for nothing, correct?!
Lot of talk about one of our midfielders being offered a senior contract with the NIX, which is awesome... except they are now on the world stage with nothing locking them into us. If we do go into the next rounds and do well, then the likes of Conchie, Karunaratane, Manuel etc will get sniffs from overseas and we could be in the position of not getting any of our first picks. Would have been better to have them locked in - even if on a scholarship deal or something. That way we could at least sell them. As it stands, all of them bar Surman could leave for nothing, correct?!
I wondered this too. Why not at least have some of these guys on scholarship deals.
Who are currently on scholarships? And when do they expire? Manuel is contracted? Karunaratane also? Though Karunaratane's already rumoured to have signed overseas.
Looking back to Des's 2019 U20s, Singh signed for Bayern in 2019 after that U20 WC. Cacace signed for Sint-Truiden in 2020.
The Nix had 4 starters in that 2019 team - Elliot, Stensness, Libby, Sarpreet & Waine. Max Mata & Zac Jones were on the bench. Bell (ex Nix) at his US College.
So Nix managed to sell 3 of those guys for healthy transfer fees. Not bad.
As usual guys like Conchie need to way up, are they better to try and build 2-4 solid seasons of ALM football (as Singh, Libby & Waine did), and then try for Europe around age 23-25. Or the more riskier route of heading up there with no senior pro football behind them.
Lot of talk about one of our midfielders being offered a senior contract with the NIX, which is awesome... except they are now on the world stage with nothing locking them into us. If we do go into the next rounds and do well, then the likes of Conchie, Karunaratane, Manuel etc will get sniffs from overseas and we could be in the position of not getting any of our first picks. Would have been better to have them locked in - even if on a scholarship deal or something. That way we could at least sell them. As it stands, all of them bar Surman could leave for nothing, correct?!
No, not correct. Regardless of contract, Phoenix get a development fee. Even with a contract, potential suitors won’t pay much outside that for untested kids from our side, so there is no major benefit in giving them a contract unless we want them, otherwise we just pay them all 45k for the potential of getting a few dollars more.
Yeah, I assumed that scholarship players counted against the player roster but apparently you can have six which sit outside of the squad of 23. That's surprising because I remember years ago, when Merick was in charge, the Phoenix were supportive of scrapping the salary cap provided we could increase the squad size and sign more young players for longer contracts.
I guess the issue is when they become 20 years old they're no longer eligible so you can only hold onto them for a few years as a scholarship, also means at an u20 world cup most of the players will be close to 20 and therefore a scholarship wouldn't hold them for long.
Fantastic start to the U20 World Cup campaign. A very professional performance for us the points we deserved. Congratulations to the players making their World Cup debuts, many in front of their families. So good.. pic.twitter.com/BioMsdxfYL
I thought we were very fortunate their CB missed the ball which enabled us to score against the reserve keeper which had just come on. With all the talk/hype about our midfield, we lacked creativity and at times looked a little lost as what to do next, no forward momentum, so just kept going back. We did have some reasonable passages of play which was good, but we need 90 min. The next game will be key for us to progress, a big challenge. The speed of play will be a factor if we do not slow the game down to our pace as Uzbekistan looked very composed.
A bit fortunate, thought Guatemala were unlucky. Wasn't a whole lot created bar the goal and feel that would have been swept had the keeper change not been enforced by the knee to the head. Lot of possession but passing centre-back to centre-back is defensive possession not attacking possession. 3 points means only really a draw needed to progress though, so get ready for All Whites gig Bazeley.
Yes, we were lucky too that Garbett was not red carded for the challenge as he would not have been there to score.
I thought we were very fortunate their CB missed the ball which enabled us to score against the reserve keeper which had just come on. With all the talk/hype about our midfield, we lacked creativity and at times looked a little lost as what to do next, no forward momentum, so just kept going back. We did have some reasonable passages of play which was good, but we need 90 min. The next game will be key for us to progress, a big challenge. The speed of play will be a factor if we do not slow the game down to our pace as Uzbekistan looked very composed.
Is there much hype about the midfield for this U20s team? I don't think anyone is saying there is a 2019 Singh or Bell yet, amongst the 2023 edition.
I've read mixed stuff on Karunatane. We haven't really seen enough of overseas based Herdman & Garbett junior, to know much about them.
But for sure I hope the Nix promote one of Conchie (most likely it seems), Manuel or McKay to the seniors squad for next season. If just to have some new promising locals in the squad, after last season when young Kiwis weren't getting much of a look in.
Having watched the replays of the other games, I think we may be under rating our players. Some of the mistakes (Israel game etc) were very poor.
Whilst we didn't light the world up, we were composed and organised. Two qualities that will help us against bigger teams.
That being said, I would like to see the midfield get closer to our striker (assuming we play 1 up top again) to allow for more attacking play.
I have not seen all the other games to comment but know we were not put under any amount of pressure so will see how we go in the next game.
This sort of proves my point. This team qualified, beating Mexico for one to get to this stage of the tournament and they looked toothless against us. Their MLS striker did nothing all game.
Traditionally we have been a team that has battled to compete, here we dominated possession and dictated play. Yes it was a little boring, but we never looked out of control.
I even noticed how the commentators language towards us seemed more positive than previous tournaments, like even he expected us to bring something more than earlier tournaments.
I don't know if we will win either of our next two games, but I am confident we will be competitive, we will have moments.
Having watched the replays of the other games, I think we may be under rating our players. Some of the mistakes (Israel game etc) were very poor.
Whilst we didn't light the world up, we were composed and organised. Two qualities that will help us against bigger teams.
That being said, I would like to see the midfield get closer to our striker (assuming we play 1 up top again) to allow for more attacking play.
I have not seen all the other games to comment but know we were not put under any amount of pressure so will see how we go in the next game.
This sort of proves my point. This team qualified, beating Mexico for one to get to this stage of the tournament and they looked toothless against us. Their MLS striker did nothing all game.
Traditionally we have been a team that has battled to compete, here we dominated possession and dictated play. Yes it was a little boring, but we never looked out of control.
I even noticed how the commentators language towards us seemed more positive than previous tournaments, like even he expected us to bring something more than earlier tournaments.
I don't know if we will win either of our next two games, but I am confident we will be competitive, we will have moments.
Guatamela did host the CONCACAF qualifying tourney, and they needed pens to beat both Canada & Mexico. But still it's a sign of the constant progress now in the U20/U23s space especially, that we expect to go into these type of games as favourites, and dominate the possession stakes. 10 years ago that didn't happen.
Coincedentally Uzbekistan hosted and won the AFC U20 tourney. Needing pens to get over favoured teams Australia & South Korea. Beating them would be a big result for Bazeley's group. It wouldn't go unnoticed in Australia, where there is a bit of angst about their U17/U20 male teams mostly failing to qualify for age group WCs.
Anyone know if the FIFA+ option will be working for watching the game? It didn't work for then Guatemala game. I thought maybe that might be because Sky got broadcasting rights for these games and that ruled the FIFA+ option out. Seems plausible i guess.
New Zealand v Uzbekistan - FIFA U-20 World Cup - Group A Tuesday 23 June, 3:00pm (Local) / Wednesday 24 May, 6:00am (NZ) Estadio Santiago Del Estero, Santiago Del Estero, Argentina
After a great result with win against Guatemala on in their opening game, the New Zealand U-20s go into their second game at the tournament against Uzbekistan knowing a win will take them through to the last 16.
Uzbekistan’s campaign started off with a loss, being edged out 2-1 by the host nation Argentina. With qualification hanging in the balance, Uzbekistan will be keen to take all 3 points in tomorrow’s match. While New Zealand can technically afford to draw with a win already in the bag, head coach Darren Bazeley spoke of the importance of preparation and motivation ahead of the game, as he made assurances neither he, nor his team would be planning on playing for anything other than a win.
What Darren Bazeley said about Uzbekistan: “I watched them play against Argentina, there were moments where they showed they were potentially stronger than the host nation. They play at a high tempo, with fit and strong players and they are aggressive in the press. They’re going to come out firing, we can’t afford to go into that game trying not to lose, or trying to draw, it's dangerous to let your opponent have too much of the ball, they will eventually hurt you. With that being said, we’ve played some great football and the lads are full of confidence and excited for the test ahead. Every single game we have to be at our best technically, tactically and physically, if we want to compete with these teams but if we stick together and work hard together, we can get results on the world stage, which we’ve now proven and the players believe it now too.”
Likely team: Bazeley highlighted in the pre-match press conference that there are many players looking for their chance and with a game every 3 days, there might be some rotation required. “Yes, we will see changes. The players that played (against Guatemala) put in a real tough shift, it's hard for them to keep backing it up every time, potentially we need some fresh legs, but I am very comfortable knowing whoever plays will pick up the baton and run with it, there’s players itching to get on the pitch, everyone wants their opportunity”
Key player to watch: Makhmud Makhamadzhonov The offensive minded full back plays his football in the Uzbekistan Super League and has started the tournament with a bang, playing some excellent football and scoring against the host nation on Matchday 1. He presses high and has an excellent cross from the left side. Stopping his bursting runs forward as well as deliveries and shots from out wide will be key to New Zealand getting a positive result.
How to watch: Live on Sky Sport NZ from (NZ)
With 12 hours to go until our second game at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, here's our preview of the match vs Uzbekistan 🇳🇿🇺🇿 #U20WC
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 23, 2023
I watched it on Fifa + using vpn based in Brazil, needed to take ad blocker off, as there are 15 sec of ads at the startGordinho
Anyone know if the FIFA+ option will be working for watching the game? It didn't work for then Guatemala game. I thought maybe that might be because Sky got broadcasting rights for these games and that ruled the FIFA+ option out. Seems plausible i guess.
5 changes to starting lineup, and a move to a back 4. Though going off the first game Bazeley will change shape as the game goes on, especially if we grab a lead
Here is how we start for our second #U20WC game against Uzbekistan 🇳🇿🇺🇿
