All Whites forced to make changes to settled front six against Egypt Options and opportunities
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley looked to have found a settled front six at the end of 2023, as his side drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
But as they resume their journey towards the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Egypt in Cairo this weekend (kickoff 9am today, NZ time), injuries will force a reshuffle.
English Premier League striker Chris Wood and midfielder Joe Bell are the two incumbents from the front six who aren’t with the team this month, having suffered respective quad and thigh strains on the eve of the international window.
Wellington Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses and midfielder Ben Old have earned places in the wider squad thanks to their form in A-League Men, while Max Mata’s impact off the bench against Ireland should also have him in the starting conversation.
Bazeley confirmed on the eve of the match that left back Liberato Cacace would captain the All Whites for the first time, but offered little as to how he would set up his midfield trio and front three.
“We’ve got good options. We’ve had a few days training where we’ve had a look at different people in different scenarios, and ultimately, we’ll have to make some selection decisions.
“Everybody that starts or comes on has an opportunity to stake a claim for the second game. We’re in a position now where you have to perform.”
Mata shapes as the best like-for-like replacement for Wood, having turned in his best All Whites performance to date when he replaced him for the final half-hour in Dublin, even if he didn’t take the chances he had to score a winner.
Barbarouses would be the form option, thanks to his 11 goals in 21 matches for the table-topping Phoenix in A-League Men, but he is also a chance to start in either of the wide forward roles.
In November, those were occupied by Callum McCowatt and Sarpreet Singh, but one of them might move into a central midfield role alongside Marko Stamenic and Matt Garbett in the absence of Bell.
Old will also be vying for a start, either centrally or wide, and has caught the eye of Cacace, who left the Phoenix at the end of the 2019-20 season, the first campaign where his younger team-mate had a taste of first-team training.
“I could see that he was something special and he’s shown this week that he’s come a long way.
“He’s muscled up a lot, which is one thing that has impressed me. If he gets the opportunity in these two games, I’m sure he will stake his claim.”
Clayton Lewis and Alex Rufer – who was called up only once Bell was ruled out – are the other midfielders in the squad, and could be options if Bazeley takes a more cautious approach, while Elijah Just and Ben Waine are the others available to start in the front three.
Singh’s outing against Ireland was his first 90-minute showing for the All Whites since November 2021. Drifting around from his starting position on the right flank, he turned in a display that served as a reminder of how important he is to the team’s attack.
This week he was even-handed when assessing whether he was best used from the right or more centrally.
“When I start as a winger and then drift into the middle, I think it'’ harder for the opposition to pick up than if I was playing as a central midfielder.
“Every position has its pros and cons. I can bring strengths in both areas. At the end of the day, I’m just happy to play,’’ Singh said.
“I have freedom to be able to move and create spaces and get in pockets. I’m just really enjoying the freedom in the set-up and the way the team wants to play.”
The All Whites’ match against Egypt is part of the ACUD International Football Cup, with Croatia and Tunisia meeting at the same time.
The winners and losers of those two matches will then play each other on Wednesday (kickoff 9am NZ time).
“All we’re trying to say is we support the passion for football and the support that we;re going to get for our club.
“There;s nothing else to say on the matter. The post is now removed.”
Pressed on whether he was apologising or acknowledging it was wrong to have posted in it the first place, Becker said: “The intention was a bit of fun. Sport and entertainment is about having a bit of fun and bringing some joy and that’s what we intended to do. We didn’t intend to look like we were supporting the people involved.”
The pitch invader ran on to the field at Eden Park midway through the second half of the Phoenix’s 2-1 win over Sydney and was promptly removed by security.
That he was wearing Auckland FC’s unreleased home kit prompted suspicions of a marketing stunt orchestrated by the club, which Becker immediately denied, telling Stuff soon after it happened that he was “not impressed”.
The kit was distributed in small quantities at the launch of the club’s brand in downtown Auckland last Thursday.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner confirmed the pitch invader had been trespassed from the venue for two years.
Australian Professional Leagues, who run the A-Leagues, has been contacted for comment.
Auckland FC is due to enter A-League Men next season and A-League Women from the 2025-26 season.