There was
also the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia – particularly the matches against the host nation and Ronaldo’s Portugal.
But nothing quite like this, as New Zealand returns to the biggest stage for the first time since 2010.
It’s also the most anticipated All Whites selection in years, with plenty of intrigue – and way more focus than normal – on coach Darren Bazeley’s starting XI.
As the Herald revealed last week, Bazeley named his team three days out from the match – on Thursday in San Diego (Friday NZT) – to maximise the preparation time.
So who will he go with?
Goalkeeper
This has been a straight duel between Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen over the past few years. Crocombe was the incumbent – and had been a fixture since November 2023 – before Paulsen seemed to come to the fore with a late run.
It felt like he was the favourite after the March international window, with a strong match in the 4-1 win over Chile in Auckland.
But he has had some struggles at club level in Poland and the fact that Crocombe played 83 minutes in the final hit-out against England was surely telling.
Prediction: Max Crocombe
Back four
Libby Cacace is a certainty at left back – always one of the first picked – despite his injury struggles this season at Wrexham. Finn Surman is moving into that category, after a series of impressive displays for club and country.
That leaves either Tyler Bindon or Michael Boxall. Bindon seemed headed for greatness – last year he joined Chris Wood at English Premier League club Nottingham Forest – while Boxall brings leadership and experience.
Tim Payne hasn’t always been totally convincing at right back across this cycle, an assertion that could shock his millions of new Instagram followers. He can be vulnerable defensively, though had his best game in years against Chile in March. That was probably enough to win selection here, though there is a chance for Bindon – if he missed out on a central position – given his defensive prowess and overall composure.
Prediction: Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall and Libby Cacace
Midfield
Joe Bell and Marko Stamenic are certainties in the middle of the park, bringing an all-round skillset few others possess. They have a different style, with complementary attributes.
The key question is who is used in front of them, with Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Callum McCowatt and Matt Garbett (before his injury) all possibilities in that part of the field.
Bazeley has been loyal to Singh and sees him as the creative influence needed. He is still struggling for match fitness after the injury that ruined his Wellington Phoenix loan and his form in North America has been mixed, with Just or McCowatt offering a more compelling recent body of work. But if the England game was played by a shadow XI, then Singh is likely to get the nod, which will divide the fanbase.
Prediction: Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic and Sarpreet Singh
Sarpreet Singh is a creative midfielder for the All Whites. Photo / Photosport
Wingers
These are the most competitive positions in the squad. Elijah Just has seemingly locked down the right-hand side – especially after his head-turning campaign in Scotland with Motherwell.
Garbett was favoured on the left – given he started against England – but is now in major doubt due to a hamstring strain. That means McCowatt, Ben Old and Jesse Randall are the options on the left, though Singh could also be used there. It’s a difficult call.
Randall is raw but brings express pace, Old has similar velocity and the experience of the top level in French football while McCowatt is the best technician and has been in this environment since 2019.
The need to get to the byline – and provide crosses – might give Old the edge, though Bazeley might be tempted to use Randall and save Old as an impact option and back up for Cacace. Francis de Vries could also be used in an advanced role on the left late in the match, given his unsurpassed delivery from open play and set pieces.
Prediction: Ben Old and Elijah Just
Striker
There is no debate here, as Chris Wood will wear the No 9 jersey and lead the line. The interesting subplot will be how Ben Waine and Kosta Barbarouses are used off the bench, especially if the All Whites are chasing a goal. Waine is the more direct option – who can also play out wide – while Barbarouses offers a point of difference with his quick feet and movement in the penalty area.
Prediction: Chris Wood
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
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