The All Whites have moved from Florida to California to officially kick-start their FIFA World Cup campaign.
It's a light bit of reprieve for the Kiwis, ditching the soaring 30-plus degrees Celsius temperatures of Tampa for the mid-20s of San Diego. While still hot, the temperature on the ground feels more bearable.
San Diego, known for its beaches, terrific food and relaxed environment, feels like an ideal place for the All Whites.
1News attended its first official training session at the University of San Diego, and the facilities were of the highest standard.
“It’s been fantastic. They've been really receptive to us, and the facilities, the hotel, the training ground have been great, and that counts for a lot,” defender Joe Bell said.
The All Whites hosted an open training session with those affiliated with the university invited to attend, with hundreds, even close to a thousand, turning out.
Many of the chants were for Tim Payne – but the whole USD community got behind New Zealand – a taste of being part of the World Cup, given there are no official games being played in San Diego.
“It’s incredible to be honest, great to have this type of support out here,” goalkeeper Alex Paulsen said.
The All Whites will be based here for just over a week, travelling by bus to Los Angeles a day before their first World Cup game against Iran. They’ll return after that game for a few days before moving base to Vancouver for their two other group stage matches.
The All Whites simulated matches at their first official training, a series of 11-on-11 matches – one of the final chances for coach Darren Bazeley to see just who makes the starting XI for the opener.
“Today was a good test to showcase themselves. Everyone wants to play in the Iran game; unfortunately, not everyone will make it,” midfielder Marko Stamenić said.
All of the All Whites trained, including midfielder Ryan Thomas, who missed both of the warm-up matches nursing a hamstring issue.
For the first time in a long time, Bazeley has a fit group of players to pick from – he’s had ample chance over the past two weeks to see his squad train and play.
“For us, it's been the last four years have been leading into the next game of football. We've been focused on that the whole time, and we've been trying to take small steps forward,” Bell said.
Watch all matches at the World Cup with an event pass on TVNZ+ | All Whites games free-to-view on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Trump flipflops on Iran attack, and a shark attack caught on camera. (Source: 1News)
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