Some Thoughts on the All Whites vs Uzbekistan
And so the Anthony Hudson era begins with a loss. But it’s just the first step of a long process, and a necessary wakeup call for some perhaps.
Uzbekistan clearly dominated for most of the match. At home they were superior and far more threatening and cohesive. Odil Akhmedov scored before half time and doubled the lead just shy of the hour mark. Then with 15 to play we were down 3-0 when Server Djeparov struck, before Jeremy Brockie pulled back a consolation goal (thanks in large part to Chris Wood and Joel Stevens’ work) to break his international duck . Brockie’s first All Whites goal in his 44th game. 3-1 it finished.
First of all, some excuses. We obviously hadn’t played for a while. It was the first game for a new coach who’s still working out his tactics and his players. Injuries and club commitments meant there was no Tommy Smith, Marco Rojas or Ryan Thomas who are surely all first choice starters these days, along with past favourites such as Shane Smeltz or Chris Killen.
Plus, Uzbekistan are ranked 51st in the world by FIFA, some 47 places higher than us. The FIFA Rankings are stupid but this serves a point anyway.
Oh and let’s not forget that 7 of the starting 11 are still in pre-season. Only Winston Reid and Chris James are regularly getting 90 minutes.
So let’s cast our thoughts towards El Nuevo Maestro, Anthony Hudson. The squad was picked by Neil Emblen, his caretaking predecessor, but Hudson’s had the lads in camp for a week in order to judge and assess. What he rolled out was a 4-3-3 formation. Moss in goal; Reid and Durante marshalling the backline with Storm Roux and Tom Doyle out wide; Bill Tuiloma got a run as a midfielder in a trio also including Chris James and Michael McGlinchey; Chris Wood heading an attacking triumvirate, flanked by Kosta Barborouses and Tyler Boyd.
Pretty stock standard. Tommy Smith would probably come in for Durante, while Rojas and Thomas would surely start ahead of Boyd and Kosta if available. Otherwise it’s been clear since the Japan game last season that Chris Wood is now our best striker and the focal point of our attack.
Hudson’s promised a team that can attack with purpose and be comfortable in possession. Not a pair of traditional strengths for the All Whites. Especially the possession side of things. In this game we saw how big a task Hudson has in that regard. We have midfielders who can run and hassle but not those who can truly control a game. Tuiloma has previously been used as a fullback for the national team, and although James & McGlinchey are better than other options, they still aren’t all that comfortable on the ball. But that may come with more exposure and more confidence. This is a process after all.
Chris Wood again looked our best option on attack. Sure, his first touch can be abysmal, but he brings the energy and enthusiasm that we need. He’s a physical presence and he’s developed enough that we can trust him to create 2 or 3 chances a game now. With prolonged exposure to the Premier League he’s only gonna get better too.
Uzbekistan were a consistent threat. They dominated Tom Doyle especially, who had a rough debut (thrown in at the deep end, fair to say). Quick and lively, their goals were all well taken and they found space where they shouldn’t have. The Uzbekis have played a lot more recently, though. This is the minimum level that we need to get to if we’re going to make the next World Cup. It’s definitely achievable.
How had Brockie possibly never scored before!? In 44 games!?
Two lads made their debuts this game: Thomas Doyle and Joel Stevens. Both were late injury replacements (for Marco Rojas and Ryan Thomas respectively) and each had a solid influence. Doyle’s game, as mentioned, was a difficult one but he’ll learn plenty from his 90 minutes. He missed out on a Wellington Phoenix contract last season but earned one for this upcoming one after an impressive pre-season, highlighted by a composed performance against West Ham at Eden Park.
Joel Stevens was an even bigger bolter. He’s on the books with the Phoenix reserve team, and had been tagged to play for the Phoenix Reserves after time with Otago, Wellington and Waitakere in the ASB Premiership (or whatever they call it these days). He was due to play for the under 20s (who beat Morocco after losses to Chile and Qatar this week) and instead got 10 off the bench after a rapid rise for the 19 year old.
Expectations. We all have them. That’s why the headlines today are all pretty negative, with far too many journalists judging the game by a breakfast time MySky viewing. This was never about the result – it was about establishing the level we need to get to and taking the first steps towards it. Anyone who saw us completely dismantled by Mexico last year, or our stumbling to a 0-0 draw with almost zero entertainment factor against South Africa earlier in the year know that our national footy team needed a rehauling. Well, it’s underway now, and it needs time.
The TV coverage from Uzbekistan was shocking! This is a nation of 30 million people we’re talking about. It was like watching a game from 1995.
FIFA has Uzbekistan ranked 28 places higher than Australia by the latest count.
That’s 7 games without a win now for the All Whites, but it’s much more beneficial to play and lose games like this than to pummel Tahiti or American Samoa by double figures.
Next up for the All Whites is a pair of games away to Malaysia and China in November 14th and 18th. Hudson cashing in his AFC connections.