Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
As the countdown begins for the FIFA World Cup 26 ™ Oceania Qualifiers, excitement is palpable among the New Zealand side, who are gearing up to make their mark on the road to Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Coach Darren Bazeley plans on fielding a full-strength squad for the Group B fixtures against Tahiti in Port Vila (October 11), Vanuatu in Hamilton (November 15) and Samoa in Auckland (November 18).
Nottingham Forest English Premier League striker Chris Wood will lead the attack with the likes of Empoli Serie A defender Libby Cacace and a plethora of European based players to be included.
Bazeley believes the experience of spending more than two weeks in Port Vila en-route to winning the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in June, will put his side in good stead for the opening match against Tahiti this month.
“We know the conditions at VFF Freshwater Stadium,” he notes, highlighting the team’s familiarity with the unique playing environment and electric atmosphere generated by the passionate local supporters.
Bazeley believes the experience will serve as a significant advantage. “We expect all the island teams to have improved, and we’ll need to be ready for whatever challenges come our way.”
The All Whites enter the qualifiers as strong favourites, but Bazeley is taking nothing for granted and treating the campaign with cautious optimism.
“It’s all about taking it one game at a time and ensuring we’re fully prepared for each opponent,” Bazeley said.
The introduction of one guaranteed qualification slot and an additional playoff adds an exciting twist for the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying campaign in Oceania.
New Zealand’s journey kicks off against Tahiti on October 11, a match Bazeley is taking very seriously.
The All Whites defeated Samuel Garcia’s side 5-0 in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup semi-finals at the same venue in June with Kostas Barbarouses and Ben Waine each grabbing a brace.
“We’ve played them before, but every game will be different. This is now a World Cup qualifier and I am sure Tahiti will have a slightly different squad.
“We need to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses,” he remarked.
New Zealand will fly from Port Vila to Auckland straight after the match on a specially arranged charter flight in order to prepare for an International Friendly against Malaysia on Monday October 14 in Auckland. Then it’s onto the November international window when the remaining group matches will be played.
It’s the chance to play at home, something New Zealand doesn’t do often that excites Bazeley.
“Bringing games back to New Zealand is key for our fans and families. The players are excited to play here, and we know the familiarity with the pitch will be an advantage and the climate’s not so much of an issue. But we still need to go out onto the pitch and do our job and make sure we are ready for every single game.”
New Zealand squad for matches v Tahiti (October 11) and Vanuatu (November 15).
GOALKEEPERS:
Max Crocombe, Burton Albion, England
Alex Paulsen, Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
Oli Sail, Perth Glory, Australia
DEFENDERS:
Tyler Bindon, Reading FC, England
Michael Boxall, Minnesota United, USA
Libby Cacace, Empoli FC, Italy
Tim Payne, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nando Pijnaker, Auckland FC, New Zealand
Storm Roux, Central Coast Mariners, Australia
Tommy Smith, Auckland FC, New Zealand
Sam Sutton, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
MIDFIELDERS:
Matt Garbett, NAC Breda, Netherlands
Cam Howieson, Auckland FC, New Zealand
Alex Rufer, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Marko Stamenić, Olympiacos, Greece (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
FORWARDS:
Kosta Barbarouses, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Eli Just, SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from AC Horsens)
Ben Old, AS Saint Etienne, France
Logan Rogerson, Auckland FC, New Zealand
Ben Waine, Plymouth Argyle, England
Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest, England
New Zealand fixtures
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
(kick-off times local)
Friday, October 11
v Tahiti, 1:00pm, VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila
Friday, November 15
v Vanuatu, 7:30pm, FMG Stadium, Waikato
Monday, November 18
v Samoa, 7:30pm, Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland