Clrnc wrote:

Yeah their skills isn't half bad. They almost scored twice already.

They have one footballer who is professional. Played for France u21 but chose to represent Tahiti after they won the OFC Cup last year. Still amazing how they manage to win NZ

Even worse mate, NZ lost to New Caledonia in the semi final who then lost to Tahiti in the final. It was described as an absolute travesty here. 😆

Feel sorry for Tahiti with the scorelines but I imagine they'll still have the time of their lives. To be playing on this stage and sharing the field with some of these great players will be the highlight of all their lives

Lol Wtf? Seriously though how did a team like NZ who is normally v professional in sports lose to these islands? I assume you guys thought after aus escaped it would be complete domination for you. Mind you nz did v well in world cup too.

Anyway are you of the opinion nz should move to Asia too?

y va marquer wrote:

They were mighty pleased 🙂

For fucks sake, you'd think they'd finished fourth.

I'd celebrate like that every day if I lived here:

Clrnc wrote:

Lol Wtf? Seriously though how did a team like NZ who is normally v professional in sports lose to these islands? I assume you guys thought after aus escaped it would be complete domination for you. Mind you nz did v well in world cup too.

Anyway are you of the opinion nz should move to Asia too?

I don't support NZ, I'm English and just live here. It was ridiculous they lost. They were missing their premier league players through injury (Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid) but they had everyone else who are all full time professionals and play in the A League and overseas (ie, Tommy Smith at Ipswich, Chris Wood at West Brom but I think on loan at Birmingham at the time, Rory Fallon at Aberdeen). They shouldn't have any trouble against the islands who are full of amateurs, and they didn't in the world cup qualifying and are through to the playoff which will be against the 4th placed CONCACAF team in November.

No I don't think they should move to Asia. Without Australia they have a virtual free pass to the playoff whereas in Asia they would probably make it to the last stage with the 2 groups of 5 ahead of the likes of Qatar and Oman but they would never make it into the top 2 of the groups. I suppose it's possible they could come third but then they'd be have a playoff to get into the playoff. On the flipside though, in Oceania they never get a serious game until they get to the playoff which is why the Confederations Cup would have been invaluable preparation. They'd have got 3 games against serious teams instead of scrambling to organise a few friendlies before November.

NZ are barely better than us in Malaysia.

Do Malaysia have any players in a notable league? Genuine question, I have no idea.

invisibleman18 wrote:

I don't support NZ, I'm English and just live here. It was ridiculous they lost. They were missing their premier league players through injury (Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid) but they had everyone else who are all full time professionals and play in the A League and overseas (ie, Tommy Smith at Ipswich, Chris Wood at West Brom but I think on loan at Birmingham at the time, Rory Fallon at Aberdeen). They shouldn't have any trouble against the islands who are full of amateurs, and they didn't in the world cup qualifying and are through to the playoff which will be against the 4th placed CONCACAF team in November.

No I don't think they should move to Asia. Without Australia they have a virtual free pass to the playoff whereas in Asia they would probably make it to the last stage with the 2 groups of 5 ahead of the likes of Qatar and Oman but they would never make it into the top 2 of the groups. I suppose it's possible they could come third but then they'd be have a playoff to get into the playoff. On the flipside though, in Oceania they never get a serious game until they get to the playoff which is why the Confederations Cup would have been invaluable preparation. They'd have got 3 games against serious teams instead of scrambling to organise a few friendlies before November.

Ah I see. Don't know why I always thought you are a New Zealander since the good old A-M days. I think NZ have a good chance against Honduras, I am impressed by the new generation of players. Other than those English based players, Rojas looked a top top top talent, Tim Payne/Barbarouses/Tim Myers/Cameron Howieson is decent as well.

I think NZ should move to Asia to gain more exposure like OZ and then FIFA should give 1 more slot to Asia, which would mean the final playoff will be for a spot for WC and not a spot to playoff South America. It will improve their standard of football, gain more competitive matches. I am of the opinion Africa is given too many slots. Should be 4.5 instead. Leaving those islands left in Oceania would mean any team facing them gets a bye to World Cup as well, so preferably South America since they are better made for World Cup.

banduan wrote:

NZ are barely better than us in Malaysia.

Thats bullshit. Malaysia is rubbish.

What a goal Neymar! Once again

Another great goal:

I love the Mexican fullbacks. Been very good. Jorge Torres, Hiram Mier.

That Neymar is overrated eh?

Yep, he's silenced any doubters with his two group stage goals in the Confed Cup.

Fantastic assist by Neymar.

He is announcing himself in a big way, this tournament. I'll be really curious to see how he fits into Barca next season.