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New Zealand seem poised to make it to the FIFA World Cup of 2010 in South Africa. The only hurdle that remains is a play off against either Saudi Arabia or Bahrain. So let’s take a look at the New Zealand team.
Several names immediately pop up: Bertos, Sigmund, Smeltz, Brockie, Christie, Paston, Moss, Lochhead, Old, Mulligan, Killen, and Brown.
That is a quality side. All these players are world class, particularly Moss, Bertos, Smeltz, and Killen.
New Zealand have a good squad for the first time in a long while. If Vaughn Coveny were to be added to that list, a spot in South Africa might well be assured.
To add to their chances, they will be potentially playing against two of the weaker teams in Asia – Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.
Let’s look at the Bahrain squad.
Apart from a few names, it’s nothing too impressive. We all saw recently how they play, and I firmly believe that the Kiwis would beat them.
Bahrain lack cohesion and any real flair. Yes, there are one or two players who stand out, but nothing special.
Now to Saudi Arabia.
Very strong historically in the Asian Cup, very weak at World Cup level, the Saudis will prove the tougher of the two possible opponents.
The Saudis are by no means a second rate side, but having said that, they also have their flaws, and the current New Zealand squad stand more than a chance of knocking them over.
Pit these three sides head to head, and you will see that every Kiwi is equal to, or better, than any Saudi or Bahrain player.
The Kiwis, lead by Rikki Herbet, a proven coach, will qualify for South Africa. But it could come down to how Herbert decides to play.
With all that potential, I was thinking this:
………………..Moss……………….
………………Lochhead……………..
……..Old……………….sigmund……
………………Mulligan……………..
………..Christie……..Brown………..
Oughton…………………………Bertos
……………Killen………………….
…………………..Smeltz…………..
This would involve Lochhead hanging free, Sigmund and Old man marking, with Mulligan filling any defensive hole, whilst also supplementing the midfield.
Bertos and Oughton would play as wide as possible, getting forward into the flanks on every occasion, with Brown and Christie directing traffic through the centre, much the same as Grella and Cullina do for Australis, with Kewell and Bresciano working the wide spaces.
Finally, Killen would play just behind Smeltz and do all the leg work, making holes for Smeltz to exploit. Killen is a centre forward, not a centre attacking mid, and thus will not be defending.
His role is to play off Smeltz and create space.
I want to see New Zealand at the World Cup with us Aussies and I believe this formation holds the key.
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