Opposite Illuminator – Back to Europe for New Zealand

Still looking for a national coach, the New Zealand Federation announced the arrival of the Whites on European soil for the next international window.

the All eggs They will return to Europe for the first time since their defeat against Peru (0-1) in Barcelona, ​​June 5, 2022, while preparing for the play-off to join the World Cup Qatar (lost 1-0 against Costa Rica). On this occasion, the New Zealand He will play two matches against Sweden at Solna on 16 June, and v The State of Qatarin Vienna on June 19. ” Sweden and Qatar are good opponents and represent exactly the kind of challenge we want to take on to continue developing the team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. said Andrew Pragnell, chief executive of Football New Zealand. ” We are committed to participating in every possible international tournament and are delighted to follow up our two home matches in March with another series of excellent fixtures next month, as well as more exciting encounters planned for later in the year. .” The team’s performance in March, especially in the Wellington match, was very positive Darren Bazilay explained, We will look to build on that momentum with two matches that will be a very good test for us. In addition to the normal home games, playing more games in Europe, where many of our players are, is a real priority and I know the boys are looking forward to getting together next month. “.

Darren Bazeley, who is in Argentina to take care of All eggs Under-20s during the Under-20 World Cup were given provisional for matches against China (wins 0-0 and 2-1) And again on this European Tour. In March, he had to dispense with the services of Bill Twiloma (Charlotte F.) and Ben Wayne (Plymouth Argyle), after agreeing they would stay with their clubs, then lost Chris Wood, the team’s all-time leading scorer, to injury prior to the first game. But the team did well, especially in Wellington. Feedback from players and staff has been positive, but it is unclear if Bazeley is still being considered for a permanent position. The longtime NZF collaborator is on the initial list of candidates for the job, which also includes a coach CanadaJohn Herdman – father of New Zealand international Jay Herdman who is at the World Cup in Argentina -, former coach of Wellington Phoenix, Ufuk Talay, and former Under-20 and Under-23 national coach Dee Buckingham. In the event that no holder of the office can be found, the union shall leave its confidence for the time being.

Photo: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images

Antoine Blanchett Querin

Australian, New Zealand and Oceania football correspondent for Opposite Lucarne.