All Whites at the Canadian Shield Tournament: Victory vs Côte d'Ivoire
This two-game trip to Canada marks a new phase for the All Whites, going from qualifying for the World Cup (by beating lower-ranked nations) to preparing for the World Cup (with games against much higher-ranked nations). It’s these challenges that they’ll face when they get to the main event next year therefore it’s these challenges the team is deliberately targeting. There was some encouragement the last time they went to North America and drew 1-1 with the USA but that performance needs to become the bare minimum every time they face such opponents. Can they create chances and score goals against better sides? Can they withstand such teams defensively? Do they have the self-confidence to compete at that level? Are they capable of putting all of those things together and getting results against world class opposition?
On the basis of the 1-0 victory against Côte d'Ivoire that we saw on Sunday morning... yeah, mate, you’d better bloody believe it. Elijah Just’s 41st minute goal was combined with a stoical defensive display to rival generations gone by. Bell and Stamenic were immense in midfield, especially with their disruptive tackling. Finn Surman delivered his trademarked array of blocks, headers, and clearances. The bench kept the levels high. Max Crocombe dipped into his bag of time-wasting magic tricks. The Aotearoa side didn’t create a whole lot outside of the goal, despite some silky combinations, but they did the things that win football games. What’s more, they did them with Chris Wood only playing ten minutes off the bench.
Ivory Coast won the 2023 African Cup of Nations. It was a crazy tournament which they hosted but only just made it through to the knockouts as the final third-placed qualifier – leading them to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset mid-tournament, with his assistant Emerse Faé (who is still in charge to this day) taking over and leading them to the title. Now, this squad ain’t that squad. Only about half of them were in that 2023 AFCON side, with the likes of Jean-Philippe Krasso, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Evan Ndicka, and Oumar Diakité all absent, while Amad Diallo (and Dorgeles Maho) was also withdrawn late for unspecified “administrative reasons”. Even still, it was a stacked line-up that they brought to Canada as they prepare for the next AFCON in December-January. And not only did that stacked line-up get blanked by the New Zealand defence... for long stretches they even seemed to be struggling for ideas. Surman and Bindon and pals had them puzzled.
Despite the Canadian Shield Tournament tag, this was only a friendly game and Ivory Coast would have shown a little more desperation if there had been something meaningful on the line. This was not their best foot being put forward. Therefore none of the All Whites crew, from the coach on down, seemed to be getting carried away by the achievement. They’ve always believed themselves capable of results like this so it’s all in a day’s work. We shouldn’t be overreacting either... but we also don’t need to underreact. Let’s give this one its proper recognition.
One of the main ideas from the preview yarn for this series was about how the All Whites are still learning how to turn the obvious potential of this squad into tangible results against top nations. Well, they just beat the reigning champions of Africa. What was the last All Whites victory as significant as this one? Let’s work our way back with all the wins against non-Oceania opponents in recent times...
2024: 4-0 vs Malaysia
2023: 2-1 vs China
2021: 2-0 vs The Gambia, 1-0 vs Bahrain, 2-1 vs Curacao
2018: 2-1 vs India, 1-0 vs Chinese Taipei
2015: 1-0 vs Oman
... that’s ten years into the past and we’ve still not found anything remotely close...
2013: 1-0 vs Saudi Arabia
2012: 1-0 vs Honduras
2010: 1-0 vs Serbia
2009: 1-0 vs Bahrain, 3-1 vs Jordan
2006: 3-1 vs Georgia, 2-1 vs Malaysia, 1-0 vs Malaysia
2002: 1-0 vs Australia
2000: 2-0 vs Malaysia, 1-0 vs Oman
Okay, that’s far enough into the past. In the last quarter of a century, the only results in the same ballpark as this one are the wins against Serbia and Australia. Technically, the Aussie game (Ryan Nelsen with the winner at Mt Smart Stadium) was when they were still part of Oceania (it was the Nations Cup final) but the significance of that win makes it a worthy inclusion anyway.
As for the Serbia win, that was a Shane Smeltz winner in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup. Famous in the memories for Serbian captain Nemanja Vidic having to tell fans to chill out as flares and projectiles were thrown onto the playing field and multiple pitch-invaders leapt the barriers. And that game took place in the neutral territory of Austria... imagine if it had been in Belgrade (of course, these days Marko Stamenic could have sorted them out himself).
This game didn’t have nearly as much drama. There were lots of fans at BMO Field in Toronto however most of the 20,145 folks that earlier witnessed Canada’s convincing 4-2 win against Ukraine had left by the time the second match kicked off, with mostly just the ex-pats from each nation hanging around. But there is still an auspicious parallel between these two famous New Zealand victories.
The win against Serbia was a vindicating milestone that proved to that team could compete with such nations, leading into draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay at the World Cup itself. It was also a performance that helped establish two young defenders who’d soon become legends in the white jersey: Winston Reid and Tommy Smith. We don’t know how the All Whites will fare at the 2026 event yet, we don’t even know who they’ll be playing, but we do know that this was the kind of result that they’ve been building towards. And we also know that there were two young defenders, Finn Surman and Tyler Bindon, who were instrumental in getting this outcome. To think there are those among us who actually believe that history never repeats, aye?
The Line-Up
At this stage, Darren Bazeley pretty much knows what his best squad looks like and there are only a couple of positions still up in the air. We’ve already been through that process so don’t expect too many changes between now and the World Cup. This is about refinement and preparation. Having said that, two of the major spots in contention are the second options at right-back and striker... and this match offered depth opportunities in both. Bill Tuiloma started at RB with Tim Payne and Storm Roux both unavailable for the squad. Callan Elliot would later replace him for the last half hour. Also, with Chris Wood being managed after a gruelling club season, it was Kosta Barbarouses that got the nod up top instead of the nation’s record scorer. No sign of Ben Waine on this day.
Another change from the side that took the field in the Oceania WCQ final against New Caledonia was Elijah Just in for Matt Garbett on the right wing. That had to be the case, with Garbs having not played a minute of club football since December whereas Just has been in supreme goal-scoring form for the last several months. Safe to say he still is after this match. Callum McCowatt held his spot on the left ahead of the returning Ben Old, though an injury to CM midway through the first half would see that change enforced. Not much room for McCowatt to carry on his sterling club exploits for the national team, sadly. Sarpreet Singh was the attacking midfielder – sporting a hand bandage on the busted thumb that cost him the last few games of his club season - with Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell behind him. That’s all first choice stuff.
The fourth change from WCQ final was in central defence where the in-form Michael Boxall stepped aside for the in-form Finn Surman. Both of those guys are getting MLS All Star buzz at club level so there’s no wrong answer. Boxy’s first ever international goal sent Aotearoa on the way to qualification last match but Surman wasn’t available for that series, having stayed back in Portland to prioritise winning a starting spot with the Timbers. Safe to say that worked out sweetly for him. Surman thus got his opportunity to show what he’s capable of alongside Tyler Bindon – a partnership with a combined age of 41 years... compared to Boxy who turns 37 in two months.
Max Crocombe held his spot ahead of Alex Paulsen, though we’ll probably see Paulsen get his chance in the Ukraine game. Those two are neck and neck and whoever’s wearing the gloves this time next year may depend on what happens with their respective club situations given that each of them are in curious situations heading into the transfer window.
And with Chris Wood only on the bench, it was vice-captain Liberato Cacace who wore the armband as has become the custom. No complaints there. This squad has no shortage of leadership. Michael Boxall and Tommy Smith have captained plenty before. Joe Bell too. Finn Surman (U20s) and Matt Garbett (Olympic U23s) have both held those honours for Bazeley-coached age grade squads. Alex Rufer captains the Wellington Phoenix. Chris Wood and Libby Cacace, of course. Tyler Bindon captained Reading in an FA Cup tie last season, he’s got longer term potential. Might even get Ryan Thomas back one day and he’s done plenty of that for PEC Zwolle. There’s leadership across the board... which is another thing they’ve got in common with the 2010 squad.
The Game
The first thing of note, as this one kicked off, was Joe Bell winning a strong challenge in midfield. One of many throughout the afternoon. Marko Stamenic was right in there too whenever he could – the fellas very much setting a tone in the middle of the park. There were also a few nice passing sequences in the initial ten minutes with the All Whites looking very much up for the battle.
However, the physicality that Bell and Stamenic brought to the table wasn’t seen everywhere. That was no reflection on effort, simply that some players are used to this standard and others are not. Libby Cacace had no dramas whatsoever. Finn Surman and Tyler Bindon rose to the level. But Tuiloma struggled due to a lack of pace and guys like Just and Singh were too easily shrugged off. Kosta Barbarouses was alright but it took him some time to find his feet. McCowatt didn’t last long before getting hurt, while Old seemed rusty after he entered.
So it was that Côte d'Ivoire began to settle into the match and that switch began basically as soon as Evann Guessand and pals realised that they were finding success when they dribbled out of midfield. Mostly down their left edge because Cacace, Bell, and Stamenic had the rest of it covered. Nicolas Pepe was the danger man, collecting the ball in the area on several occasions. Problem for the Elephants was that the All Whites condensed quickly in those spots and Finn Surman in particular was ready to throw his body in front of everything.
That was the pattern of the first half. The All Whites scrapped away and did plenty of good disruptive work but didn’t really sustain anything on attack. Ivory Coast had moments where they were able to slip past tacklers and get into good areas but they couldn’t threaten Max Crocombe from there. In all honesty, the intensity was a few steps below what it should have been – this being end of season footy and all. But that suited the New Zealanders as it allowed them to settle into the arm-wrestle as underdogs.
And then this happened...
See how the move stemmed from Bell and Stamenic mobbing Mory Gbane in the centre circle? Old mate picked the wrong blokes to run at there. Stamenic then showed his delicious ability to stride forward from midfield with the ball at his feet and the pass was as inch-perfect as the finish was from Elijah Just. Also, amidst everything else, check the end-on angle replay for the movement from Kosta Barbarouses and how he drew the attention of Cédric Kipré (#6, the left-sided CB) to create that gap for Just to run into. That’s prime Kosta right there.
In summary, the All Whites defended well and then took their only chance. Sweet as. The first few minutes after half-time is always crucial in these situations but the Ivory Coast didn’t really show anything different until turning to the bench after 55 mins (one of those subbed on was Nottm Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare against a few of his future teammates... Sangare also played with Ryan Thomas at PSV). Bazeley made three switches after an hour with Matt Garbett, Alex Rufer, and Callan Elliot all introduced (for Just, Singh, and Tuiloma respectively... with Stamenic moving to attacking mid to accommodate Rufer). Those lads all kept up the energy. Chris Wood and Michael Boxall then joined for an injection of experience in the final ten minutes.
Thus the AWs found themselves in a rare and useful situation where they could practice holding a lead against a dangerous opponent. Côte d'Ivoire showed a notable lack of urgency for most of the second half but that changed in the final ten. Finally, the ball began flying into NZ’s defensive zone... only for Finn Surman to keep repelling it. Boxall had come on for Stamenic, signalling a switch to a back three (Boxy went into the middle of the trio). This is how they’ll approach the same situation during a World Cup game and, other than one header that clipped the outside of the post (Crocombe had it covered), they handled it beautifully. Sturdy shape, strong clearances, challenging for everything, a few sneaky counter-attacking hints. And the elastic hamstrings of Max Crocombe took care of the rest for a famous win.
Thoughts & Reactions
Finn Surman or Michael Boxall? That’s the biggest question to arise from this game because Surman was outstanding (except for when he was outleaping, outlunging, or outsliding). He’s just got this innate ability to get in the way of shots and crosses and he shows it with every team he plays for. The Wellington Phoenix got the same package as the Portland Timbers are getting, only scaled up for the league. Tyler Bindon is the left-sided CB, that’s where he always played for Reading so he’s very comfortable there despite being right-footed. Surman and Boxall and both more right-sided options (especially Surman) which puts them in direct competition for a starting place. Boxall has the experience and probably still nudges the head to head comparison... but sometimes these decisions come down to profiles as much as ability and Surman’s more combative style, getting stuck in with headers and blocks and tackles, might more suit an All Whites team that’s likely to be on the back foot in those World Cup outings.
Either way, whoever isn’t the starter is still going to be getting closer’s minutes in the back three if there’s a result to protect. It’s a role that Danny Hay first designed for Tommy Smith in this All Whites system (and which has continued at Auckland FC) but ol’ Tom’s not getting a look-in with these blokes ahead of him. Surman-Boxall-Bindon is clearly an upgrade, probably the best back three we’ve had available since Reid-Nelsen-Smith once upon a time. But don’t expect to see that shape from the beginning, it’s purely an end of game scenario.
This was the fifth time that Surman and Bindon have been paired together in central defence. They’ve yet to concede a goal... granted, the other four games were all at the OFC Nations Cup. They did also play together at the 2024 Olympics, although Bindon was used as a right-back in two of those games and the other was a back three that saw the debut of that Surman-Boxall-Bindon trio (with Boxy there as one of the overage dudes). Finn Surman also started the 1-1 draw against the USA, so his two career starts so far against non-OFC nations have been in Darren Bazeley’s two most significant results as coach.
Darren Bazeley: “I think it’s big. We wanted to try and get results against good teams because it brings belief. We know we’re a good team but we had to get over getting draws against higher-ranked teams. To get across the line and get the win I think is going to be really good for them belief-wise. Still things to improve, as always, but overall I was really pleased with the performance and the attitude and the effort that the boys put in.”
Barbarouses had a decent outing, albeit without getting much going in attack. But there were some nice hold-ups in the second half especially and the fact that he was picked at all shows that he’s ahead of Ben Waine in the pecking order which will be crucial if it gets to where there’s a decision to be made there. Max Mata could yet push his way in if he can stay fit enough and productive enough next season. Or let’s say Ryan Thomas becomes available... suddenly it might be a striker (or Tommy Smith) who needs to be sacrificed. Kosta’s made a risky move in leaving a settled spot with the Phoenix but as things stand he’s got the lead in this race.
Also thought Callan Elliot had a really tidy cameo in his half hour. Showed some fizz getting forward and he did what he could defensively (although he did get out-jumped by Simon Adingra for the header off the post). Elliot’s not played heaps for Auckland FC... but he appeared more than people probably realise. 20 matches (6 of them starts) for 772 minutes. That’s more than Cam Howieson or Marley Francois got for that team, and only about 150 mins shy of Liam Gillion. Plus he just spent the past season learning the ways of the right fullback from the master Hiroki Sakai and that can only help.
In contrast, Bill Tuiloma looked like a bloke who just hasn’t gotten much football recently. He was slow and hesitant, though you could also put some of that down to having specialised as a central defender these past two years and having to do a job on the right. He wasn’t terrible by any means, but it’s Elliot who feels like the one who gained more from their respective auditions. Ben Old was also off the pace but that’s because he hadn’t played more than half an hour in a game since he had knee surgery in October.
Elijah Just has scored in six of his last seven international fixtures. The only one he missed out in was the WCQ semi-final against Fiji. With 8 goals in 35 matches, he’s one shy of matching Barbarouses in nearly half the games. Only 17 men have scored 10+ goals for the All Whites and 25yo Just is on the brink of joining them.
When in Toronto...
The six players who didn’t get on the pitch were: Alex Paulsen, Nik Tzanev, Tommy Smith, Nando Pijnaker, Francis De Vries, and Ben Waine. Good chance we see AP against Ukraine. Might get some Waine or FDV off the bench... but more like the changes will be amongst the other fellas. Elliot, Boxall, Old, and probably Wood should start the second game. Garbett and Rufer could easily do so too. Ukraine are ranked quite a bit higher than Ivory Coast, though they did get smashed by Canada in their first game. It was 4-2 final score but they were 3-0 down in the first half and only scored their two goals as late consolations. Having said that, there was substantial Ukrainian support in the stadium and they’ll be expecting victory. We’ll see how it goes on Wednesday at 9am.
Trawling through the archives, it seems this was only the third victory for the All Whites against African opposition. It’s not a continent we come up against very often. There were some early games against a touring South African side in the late 1940s (all defeats) and then it took several decades before the next instance when goals from Ricki Herbert and Grant Turner set up a 2-0 win against Ghana in 1983 (played in Korea as part of a wider invitational tournament – we also drew 1-1 with Sudan over there). From there, we had a draw and a loss against Egypt in 1999 (both in Mexico ahead of the Confederations Cup), a loss against Tanzania and draw against Botswana in 2009 (seemingly the first times the AWs played in Africa... one year out from the World Cup hosted by South Africa), a loss against South Africa at the 2009 Confed Cup that they hosted, a draw against South Africa in Auckland in 2014, a 2-1 loss to Kenya in 2018 (in India), a 2-0 win vs The Gambia in 2021 (UAE), a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in 2023 (Spain), a 0-1 loss to Egypt and 0-0 draw with Tunisia in 2024 (both in Egypt)... and now this game.
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