Every game from here on out is crucial for the All Whites' World Cup campaign. Today is the first of three games before they kick off at FIFA’s showpiece event in Los Angeles in June.
The All Whites take on 75th ranked Finland at Eden Park – the first European side to play in New Zealand since England’s visit in 1991.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has been forced into assembling a squad of players who, by virtue of injuries, are fortunate to get a chance to prove themselves and show why they deserve a seat on the plane to the World Cup.
Senior players missing for this international window include captain Chris Wood, Sarpreet Singh and Michael Boxall. All are expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.
While Bazeley won’t be able to select his desired XI, it gives him a chance to see those who may be on the fringes of selection.
“With so many players that are not here, but you know if they’re fit they will go to the World Cup, so it’s hard for us to say this is all about preparing for the World Cup in regards to combinations,” Bazeley said.
“This is an opportunity for the players that are here with us to push themselves forward.”
One player who could debut is Lachlan Bayliss – a standout for the Newcastle Jets in the A-league.
Striker Ben Waine also has a chance to lead New Zealand’s attack in the absence of Chris Wood. The Port Vale striker is a key part in his club side's FA Cup run. After this international window, he’ll be back to the UK preparing to play Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final.
“It’s never nice to not have Chris [Wood] around because he is a massive part of the team,” Waine said.
“But there’s opportunities for everyone so it's something to look forward to.”
The All Whites still have a formidable squad. Midfielder Elijah Just is hitting his straps in Scotland with six goals and two assists so far. Goal keeper Max Crocombe’s played a big part in Millwall’s English Championship season as they close in on a Premier League promotion chase. Closer to home, Jesse Randall is second equal on the A-league’s golden boot standings.
“We’ve brought a few players in for this squad for this window and we do need to see them, I’m expecting people to get good game time,” Bazeley said.
Ultimately, Bazeley wants to see players showing their club form can translate onto the international stage in these next two games.
Sure, a win over Finland would do this team a world of good for their confidence but, being so close to the World Cup, how much do his players, especially the ones with limited caps, want to be on that plane?
Bazeley would have his strongest starting XI in mind, but injuries and even form play a big part in how he picks his team for June.
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