Things we learnt

Anthony Hudson under pressure For perhaps the first time in his reign, All Whites coach Anthony Hudson will be feeling the heat today. He had continually talked up the chances of a result in the opening match but New Zealand never really came close. Hudson’s decision to start both Kosta Barbarouses and Marco Rojas backfired, as the two diminutive players struggled to get any change from New Zealand’s direct approach. Given the game plan, and the situation, the All Whites could afford only one of the duo and needed the more combative Bill Tuiloma among the midfield three. Kip Colvey also struggled and was a strange selection. He’s a promising player but not as good — or experienced — as Storm Roux, who was cooling his heels on the bench. Ryan Thomas shines Aside from goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic — who had a busy night — Thomas was the standout for New Zealand. The PEC Zwolle midfielder engineered the best goal scoring opportunity, showing great technique with a stinging drive from outside the area in the second half. He was composed, one of the few All Whites who looked comfortable in possession, and made good decisions on the ball. The 22-year-old was at the forefront of most of New Zealand’s best attacking moments but also worked hard defensively, in a true box to box display. Putin makes his presence felt It wasn’t quite Julius Cesar at the Colosseum, but Russian president Vladimir Putin made his mark yesterday in St Petersburg. Putin spoke to mark the opening of the tournament but his extended discourse — not quite at the levels of Fidel Castro but not far away — was slightly awkward, as both teams waited on the field to kick off. The Russian team stood respectfully throughout, but the New Zealanders abandoned their formed line to jog on the spot and stretch. “We knew there were going to be speeches but didn’t expect them to be that long,” said All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. “We just tried to keep warm and limber up.”