(Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek)
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley is excited about the prospect of playing competitive football and says retaining the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu is his top priority, even with the shadows of the Paris Olympics looming large.
New Zealand kick off their campaign in Group A against Solomon Islands at VFF Freshwater Stadium tomorrow.
The All Whites last played a competitive tournament match in the FIFA World Cup play-off against Costa Rica two years ago, and Bazeley is looking forward to working with his squad for an extended period.
“We play a lot of games, but they are friendly games, so playing in a tournament with proper competition with something at stake is really important for us, as we as we build towards the World Cup qualifiers,” said Bazeley who is philosophical about the late withdrawal of New Caledonia.
“We would have liked to have played that game, but it just allows us to do a bit more preparation.” He added.
The young New Zealand squad arrived without captain Libby Cacace, who is suspended and will not play until the second match against Vanuatu on Friday, while Tommy Smith is returning late after attending the wedding of Chris Wood.
New Zealand will have to overcome their OFC rivals without several senior players including Sapreet Singh, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Matt Garbett, Michael Boxall, Calum McCowatt and Nando Pijnaker who are either in mid-season, in pre-season, or trying to secure new clubs.
With many in the squad under 23, the tournament will be a perfect lead-in to the Olympic games and open the door for new faces.
“While we always try you select the strongest group we can, this gives people an opportunity. Players are here to stake a claim for the Olympics, but also a claim for regular All Whites selection and that’s a huge opportunity.” Bazeley said.
The Vanuatu and Solomon Island coaches this week acknowledged New Zealand was the benchmark for rival OFC nations, but OFC President Lambert Maltock was quick to remind everyone that the gaps are closing.
“In 2012, New Zealand lost to New Caledonia in the semis and in 2016 they only beat PNG after penalties in the final, so anyone can beat anyone here,” said the President during a welcome dinner.
Bazeley’s team are aware of the challenge ahead to retain their OFC Nations title.
“They’re going to come up into a different environment, different climate, different pitches and a different style of player than what they used to.
“We’ve got a lot of professional footballers in the squad, but anybody who has been to the islands to play football or watch football knows it’s a different challenge and not always as easy as what people may think.”
The Solomon Islands face a virtual must win situation in what is their final Group match following the 1-0 defeat by hosts Vanuatu in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday.
New Zealand v Solomon Islands | Group A | OFC Men’s Nations Cup | Stream Live with FIFA+