SF1 Auckland City vs Team Wellington | Sun 24 Mar | 2.30pm | SS3 | Kiwitea

WeeNix
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over 10 years

Here's the big one in whats recently become the Kiwi Classico of the National League with both teams from the two largest cities regularly contesting for Championships in the National League and the Champions League.

Auckland City never lost a game during the regular season and beat Team Wellington recently in Matchday 17.

Last 5 games:

AC | W-W-W-D-W

TW | W-L-L-W-W

Starting XI
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Team Wellington go ahead off an extremely dodgy penalty decision.

Not Boyd
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WeeNix
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Nice build up to that Joel Stevens goal.

Its been 7 years since the last time ACFC didn't make the final.

GK
Phoenix Academy
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over 10 years

Love your work TeeDubs, thought you had a chance with no Micah Lea'alafa and De Vries. 

Great for all the lads that transferred back to TW from abroad and other franchises - welcome home. 

2-1 to Teedubs in the final held at Wests in the 'Rua (JJ).

First Team Squad
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Caught the second half, more than worthy of the victory. Another Auckland team that's all huff and no puff? ;)

GK
Phoenix Academy
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410
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Starting XI
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Why was there Eastern Suburbs and Ole signs up at Kiwitea Street?  on the hoardings infront of the SKY vans.

Trialist
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18
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over 5 years

I know they have gone through the league unbeaten but that says more about the other teams than Auckland. This is probably the worst Auckland City team in many years. They are boring to watch and, apart from the odd moment from Browne, have no real exciting players or inspiratation.

WeeNix
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Dan Morgan has been pretty outstanding and good to watch

Marquee
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Wow I totally missed this. Really unespected given how average TW have been this season but quite happy obviously.
Does the final need to be played in Auckland?

Woof Woof
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over 16 years

The Village wrote:

I know they have gone through the league unbeaten but that says more about the other teams than Auckland. This is probably the worst Auckland City team in many years. They are boring to watch and, apart from the odd moment from Browne, have no real exciting players or inspiratation.

Yeah, I remember having this same discussion earlier this season, it's very ironic that the unbeaten regular season and highest ever points tally was set by probably a worst ever Auckland City side.

But also TeeDubs have to be given a lot of credit, they've had a challenging season where they've had to deal with the disruption of CWC for the first time, and basically losing half their starting XI in the New Year, with other key players also missing big chunks of the season too. If anyone had told me even a couple of weeks ago that the TeeDubs were going to go to Kiwitea St for the semi with a back three of Schrijvers, Robbo, and Palezevic, and win 3-1, I'd have thought they were mad - but it happened. Super excited for the final now.

Woof Woof
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Wow I totally missed this. Really unespected given how average TW have been this season but quite happy obviously.
Does the final need to be played in Auckland?

Hard to see why since two Wellington teams are in the final, but yes, it will be played in Auckland.

Starting XI
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almost 7 years

The Village wrote:

I know they have gone through the league unbeaten but that says more about the other teams than Auckland. This is probably the worst Auckland City team in many years. They are boring to watch and, apart from the odd moment from Browne, have no real exciting players or inspiratation.

ACFC fan here - absolutely agree

Browne is an absolute gun and I reckon could have cracked the Eredivisie if he stayed there, but the team as a whole is pretty poor outside of him, Tavano, Micah and a couple others. Full of either aging or raw players

Phoenix Academy
13
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190
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over 11 years

el grapadura wrote:

The Village wrote:

I know they have gone through the league unbeaten but that says more about the other teams than Auckland. This is probably the worst Auckland City team in many years. They are boring to watch and, apart from the odd moment from Browne, have no real exciting players or inspiratation.

Yeah, I remember having this same discussion earlier this season, it's very ironic that the unbeaten regular season and highest ever points tally was set by probably a worst ever Auckland City side.

But also TeeDubs have to be given a lot of credit, they've had a challenging season where they've had to deal with the disruption of CWC for the first time, and basically losing half their starting XI in the New Year, with other key players also missing big chunks of the season too. If anyone had told me even a couple of weeks ago that the TeeDubs were going to go to Kiwitea St for the semi with a back three of Schrijvers, Robbo, and Palezevic, and win 3-1, I'd have thought they were mad - but it happened. Super excited for the final now.

Have been impressed with Schrijvers whenever I have seen him. Was massive in the OFC game in Dubai. Has been solid at the back for TW all season and given that they seemed to have lost quite a few backs due to injuries and players signing pro contracts, has maybe been their rock in the backs this season.  

Marquee
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el grapadura wrote:

But also TeeDubs have to be given a lot of credit, they've had a challenging season where they've had to deal with the disruption of CWC for the first time, and basically losing half their starting XI in the New Year, with other key players also missing big chunks of the season too. If anyone had told me even a couple of weeks ago that the TeeDubs were going to go to Kiwitea St for the semi with a back three of Schrijvers, Robbo, and Palezevic, and win 3-1, I'd have thought they were mad - but it happened. Super excited for the final now.

Yes - pre CWC players looked to be a bit wary of injury, then to compound that they seemed to lose their way after the Christmas break.  But glad to see them comeback well at Kiwatea Street in true do or die football.
First Team Squad
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almost 17 years

I was skeptical about the return of Bill, but he was outstanding yesterday. For me the heros were Molloy and JHS, absolute work horses who just don't stop running.

First Team Squad
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Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

Woof Woof
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20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League spot for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

Woof Woof
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ChopperNZ wrote:

I was skeptical about the return of Bill, but he was outstanding yesterday. For me the heros were Molloy and JHS, absolute work horses who just don't stop running.

Especially JHS, player of the game for me. Don't think he missed a tackle the whole game, was a constant threat going forward, and scored a quality goal to boot.

WeeNix
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over 10 years

I think it shows how much Auckland City misses guys like Tade and Lea'alafa. What happened to Iwata? He used to provide a good base attacking platform from the flanks for the likes of Tade to strike at will, similar to what JHS does for Team Wellington.

28
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agree with the earlier comment about Taylor - he was my MoM for the CWV match v Al Ain.

Yesterday, JHS was immense. At one point near the end of the game I thought he was gonna throw up.

First Team Squad
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el grapadura wrote:

20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

Duh! Was having a brain fart but yeah, I meant the champions league qualification. Didn't know the CWC wasn't being run either. Thanks.

Woof Woof
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Yeah, FIFA is moving to a 24-team CWC in 2021 as a replacement for the Confederations Cup. It really leaves a question mark over OFC Champions' League and Nations' Cup for the next year.

WeeNix
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mrsmiis wrote:

The Village wrote:

I know they have gone through the league unbeaten but that says more about the other teams than Auckland. This is probably the worst Auckland City team in many years. They are boring to watch and, apart from the odd moment from Browne, have no real exciting players or inspiratation.

ACFC fan here - absolutely agree

Browne is an absolute gun and I reckon could have cracked the Eredivisie if he stayed there, but the team as a whole is pretty poor outside of him, Tavano, Micah and a couple others. Full of either aging or raw players

ACFC Fan here, Browne's been fantastic, Tavano's been a stand out player since returning from suspension, Dan Morgan's been excellent, think Jordan Vale's done well too. Don't really agree on Micah, he's fast, has good feet, but his decision making is poor.

We've had some really strange team's put out this season by Ramon - I do wonder whether he's still trying to work out his best team with mostly average players.

WeeNix
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almost 7 years

Sancho wrote:

I think it shows how much Auckland City misses guys like Tade and Lea'alafa. What happened to Iwata? He used to provide a good base attacking platform from the flanks for the likes of Tade to strike at will, similar to what JHS does for Team Wellington.

Micah's still around, possibly injured which is why he didn't play. 

Iwata's not getting selected. I've spoken to him a few times and he doesn't know why he's not playing. Dan Morgan's certainly claimed LB, but Iwata should be our second LB. Alfie Rodgers is no where near first time quality. In fact after he was brought on Sunday we conceded two goals. 

WeeNix
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Might be a bit of pressure on the 'Where All Whites are made" branding based on historical line-ups like this:

Getting paid to be here
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TreeFiddy wrote:

Sancho wrote:

I think it shows how much Auckland City misses guys like Tade and Lea'alafa. What happened to Iwata? He used to provide a good base attacking platform from the flanks for the likes of Tade to strike at will, similar to what JHS does for Team Wellington.

Micah's still around, possibly injured which is why he didn't play. 

Iwata's not getting selected. I've spoken to him a few times and he doesn't know why he's not playing. Dan Morgan's certainly claimed LB, but Iwata should be our second LB. Alfie Rodgers is no where near first time quality. In fact after he was brought on Sunday we conceded two goals. 

Micah was on international duty. Restrictions on foreigners would be a factor in why Iwata doesn't play, given Morgan is the starter. No room for a foreigner on the bench.

Legend
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Baiter wrote:

Might be a bit of pressure on the 'Where All Whites are made" branding based on historical line-ups like this:

Great to have a final this year, with two teams of predominantly Kiwi players.

Starting XI
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almost 9 years

TreeFiddy wrote:

Sancho wrote:

I think it shows how much Auckland City misses guys like Tade and Lea'alafa. What happened to Iwata? He used to provide a good base attacking platform from the flanks for the likes of Tade to strike at will, similar to what JHS does for Team Wellington.

Micah's still around, possibly injured which is why he didn't play. 

Iwata's not getting selected. I've spoken to him a few times and he doesn't know why he's not playing. Dan Morgan's certainly claimed LB, but Iwata should be our second LB. Alfie Rodgers is no where near first time quality. In fact after he was brought on Sunday we conceded two goals. 

Micah was on international duty. Restrictions on foreigners would be a factor in why Iwata doesn't play, given Morgan is the starter. No room for a foreigner on the bench.

you sure? ISPS regs for this season were are 6+1 and Auckland City only started with 3 foreigners (Zubrikari, Berlanga & Browne) and only had Bilen on the bench. (Rieira, Tavano & Rodgers all qualify as kiwis now) and Browne comes under the +1

Getting paid to be here
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over 6 years

TreeFiddy wrote:

Sancho wrote:

I think it shows how much Auckland City misses guys like Tade and Lea'alafa. What happened to Iwata? He used to provide a good base attacking platform from the flanks for the likes of Tade to strike at will, similar to what JHS does for Team Wellington.

Micah's still around, possibly injured which is why he didn't play. 

Iwata's not getting selected. I've spoken to him a few times and he doesn't know why he's not playing. Dan Morgan's certainly claimed LB, but Iwata should be our second LB. Alfie Rodgers is no where near first time quality. In fact after he was brought on Sunday we conceded two goals. 

Micah was on international duty. Restrictions on foreigners would be a factor in why Iwata doesn't play, given Morgan is the starter. No room for a foreigner on the bench.

you sure? ISPS regs for this season were are 6+1 and Auckland City only started with 3 foreigners (Zubrikari, Berlanga & Browne) and only had Bilen on the bench. (Rieira, Tavano & Rodgers all qualify as kiwis now) and Browne comes under the +1

So they did. But in a general sense, given the tighter 3+1 restrictions in the OFC CL, it's a factor in him moving to the fringe (along with, dare I say it, his age).

Getting paid to be here
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el grapadura wrote:

20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League spot for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

It is my understanding there will be a CWC this year. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said last week, "not yet, but soon" about appointing a host for it. Of course, the delay could be because they are cancelling it, but on the face of it, there will be one.

Woof Woof
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over 16 years

el grapadura wrote:

20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League spot for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

It is my understanding there will be a CWC this year. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said last week, "not yet, but soon" about appointing a host for it. Of course, the delay could be because they are cancelling it, but on the face of it, there will be one.

Yeah, I'd heard from a couple of different sources that 2019 and 2020 would be scrapped, but there was no official word on that in FIFA's press release last week.

I know that China were interested in hosting the tournament in those two years, and wouldn't be shocking if money changed hands as a result of that, so there could be a few issues being worked through.

Starting XI
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almost 9 years

el grapadura wrote:

el grapadura wrote:

20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League spot for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

It is my understanding there will be a CWC this year. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said last week, "not yet, but soon" about appointing a host for it. Of course, the delay could be because they are cancelling it, but on the face of it, there will be one.

Yeah, I'd heard from a couple of different sources that 2019 and 2020 would be scrapped, but there was no official word on that in FIFA's press release last week.

I know that China were interested in hosting the tournament in those two years, and wouldn't be shocking if money changed hands as a result of that, so there could be a few issues being worked through.

there's also the fact that UEFA, ECA and FIFPro aren't on board with it and I doubt the backers will be keen to put in any money if there are no European teams in it 

Woof Woof
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19K
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over 16 years

el grapadura wrote:

el grapadura wrote:

20 Legend wrote:

Do ACFC get CWC for 1st place in the league, or are they done?

There's no CWC this year. ACFC have secured an OFC Champions League spot for next season (if OFC decides to run it, since there'll be no CWC in 2020 either).

It is my understanding there will be a CWC this year. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said last week, "not yet, but soon" about appointing a host for it. Of course, the delay could be because they are cancelling it, but on the face of it, there will be one.

Yeah, I'd heard from a couple of different sources that 2019 and 2020 would be scrapped, but there was no official word on that in FIFA's press release last week.

I know that China were interested in hosting the tournament in those two years, and wouldn't be shocking if money changed hands as a result of that, so there could be a few issues being worked through.

there's also the fact that UEFA, ECA and FIFPro aren't on board with it and I doubt the backers will be keen to put in any money if there are no European teams in it 

Yes, and the offer of $25 billion allegedly offered by the backers is now off the table apparently. 

I heard that the main reason 2019 and 2020 CWCs were being scrapped was to mollify European clubs, and convince them that this would in fact be a 4-year thing. We'll see I guess.

SF1 Auckland City vs Team Wellington | Sun 24 Mar | 2.30pm | SS3 | Kiwitea

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