"A summer evening kick off is a bit of a novelty for an All Whites match, Jamaica are a very entertaining side and we’ll be close to full strength so we’re expecting a healthy turnout."
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
"Half way around the world to play a bloody match bloke", they should arive a week in advance to deal with jet lag?, what a joke why not a Reggae Boyz invitational in England as most of the player's are conviently playing in "Europe" not in Brazil!!!!!
A week after facing Cuba in 2 friendly internationals, the Boyz will be ready to flex their muscles against the kings of Oceania New Zealand in Aukland, New Zealand. The Jamaicans will view this as a key test as both teams could meet for a spot in Brazil 2014. The 4th place team in CONCACAF Final round will play the winner of the Oceania Qualifyers. Unless there is a Miracle, New Zealand look set to win the Oceania region as Soloman Islands, American Samoa and Fiji is filled with amateur and semi-pro footballers. Ofcourse Jamaica will be looking to not only advance to final round but be in the top 3 to reach Brazil. However if they are 4th they would face New Zealand. And a match now would be crucial to see how the All whites are with their preparation. The Boyz played New Zealand in a friendly match in 2000 with Jamaica wining 2-1. This has been the only match between the teams. New Zealand will be naming a 17 man squad shortly. New Zealand is expected to be with the likes of keeper Mark Paston, Mercurial talent Chris Wood of 20 years old upfront and led by their captain Ryan Nelsen.
New Zealand qualified for the 2010 World Cup were they drawed all their matches in the World Cup. 1-1 to Slovakia and Italy and 0-0 to Paraguay. New Zealand became the 3rd team to be eliminated from the World Cup without losing a game. The other teams were Cameroon and England in the mid 1980's.
An interesting note is that they have a defender named Wingston Reid. Reid who was adopted by a Kiwi and Danish Parent is said to have Jamaican or Caribbean roots. It will be interesting to see if he will be on form.
Jamaica on the other hand will be bolstered by the influence of players in the English League,MLS and Scandanavia. Jamaica's fluidity and pace should be a concern for the All whites. On the other hand, Jamaica needs to be careful of the set pieces.
It should be a beneficial game and it will be one step closer to Brazil 2014
Rising All Whites star Chris Wood is hoping his recent prolific goal scoring form in the English Championship sparks more strikes for the All Whites and a place in the New Zealand Olympic team.
Wood nets against Honduras in 2010. Photosport February 3, 2012
AUCKLAND – Rising All Whites star Chris Wood is hoping his recent prolific goal scoring form in the English Championship sparks more strikes for the All Whites and a place in the New Zealand Olympic team.
Ricki Herbert is yet to name his 18 man All Whites squad for the February 29 ASB Summer International against Jamaica at Mt Smart but it would take a brave fan to wager against Wood’s name being included next week given the signs the 20 year old is showing in England’s second tier.
On loan this season at Birmingham and now Bristol City, Wood has already notched a first senior hat trick (against Millwall) and a last minute Europa League winner against Club Brugge amid a season tally of 12 goals, 10 of which have come in the league putting him fourth on the golden boot ladder.
Throughout the 2011 calendar year Wood scored 19 goals in four different competitions – a run that was hinted at when the former Waikato and Hamilton Wanderers striker netted his first All Whites goal late in 2010 – an international against Honduras that remains his only international in Auckland so far.
Since his Premiership debut in 2009, Wood’s parent club West Bromwich Albion has farmed the powerful front man out to Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham City and now Bristol and while his record of late would suggest he his finding his size 11 feet at that level, it’s not something he has had a chance to dwell on.
“It’s been a hectic 18 months with everything going on,” said Wood from his temporary base in South West England.
“From the end of last season with promotion with Brighton then the internationals during the northern summer and now back out on loan with Birmingham and Bristol it’s been a busy time and I haven’t had a chance to reflect what I’ve achieved.
“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far but there’s still plenty I want to achieve in my career.”
Top of Wood’s list is building a reputation as a proven goal scorer for club and country.
“The main goal is to establish myself as a Premier League player. You always want to play at the highest level possible and hopefully that’s the Premier League.
“I also want to score more international goals so and become a prolific goal scorer at Championship level, in the Premiership and then at international level. If I can keep scoring goals like I have been then hopefully I can work myself into a Premiership side in the next couple of years.”
The 17 cap striker has fond memories of his goal at North Harbour Stadium but says he is eager to pad out the goals column on his international CV, beginning with this month’s first look at a possible World Cup playoff opponent.
“It’s always great to get off the mark. It felt like it was a long time coming as I’d made a number of appearances, albeit mainly from the bench over those two seasons. It was great to start the match and to get off the mark early in that game and hopefully I can keep racking up starts and goals for the national team.
“It’s always a good occasion paying in New Zealand, it always brings a good atmosphere and the home crowds are fantastic. The Jamaica match certainly a game I’m looking forward to.”
“It’s going to be a tough match. They’ve got some quality players playing around the world and back in Jamaica, and it’ll be a great test for us to see what we will be up against hopefully in the inter-continental playoff if we are lucky enough to progress.” Closer to his current home away from home, Wood has also locked sights on representing New Zealand at the London Olympics.
While he won’t be released for March’s qualifying tournament he is holding onto hope that Neil Emblen’s under 23 charges can safely navigate that challenge and that he and the other All Whites who are eligible through age or the three-overage player rule will be released for the finals.
“The Olympics in London will be a great occasion. England’s a football nation – everybody loves it – so there’ll be some big match ups, lots of interest and big crowds. Hopefully we can qualify and then make our mark at the tournament. “I’d love to play at the Olympics, and I know a lot of the other All Whites will be wanting to as well. It will be a fantastic event and a great honour to be part of the New Zealand Olympic Team so I will be doing everything in my power to make sure I’m at those games if we qualify.”
But first things first, and aside from adding to his Championship tally with Brighton at home to Leeds, Wood is hoping he gets the chance to press his claims for a large role in June’s World Cup qualifiers with selection for the All Whites squad for Jamaica – something that he says players are aware is becoming increasingly competitive.
“We’ve got a good base of players now. There’s over 30 of us at clubs around the world now and there seems to be more and more coming through from New Zealand age group teams. I was speaking to Tommy Smith and Jeremy Brockie recently and we’re all waiting and hoping for that call up for the Jamaica match.”
ASB Summer International New Zealand v Jamaica Mt Smart Stadium February 29, 2012 Kickoff: 7.30pm
Ticket details Reserved seating: Adults $29, Children $15 Embankment: Adults $25, Children $10, Family (2 adults + 2 children) $60 Purchase from http://www.ticketek.co.nz
Corporate Lounge: $99 +GST (includes carvery) Corporate boxes: 12 person - $1600, 16 person - $2500, 26 person - $3500 Purchase from http://www.mtsmartstadium.com
Related News: Nelsen completes Spurs move - 03-02-12 06:22 Herbert faces All Whites selection puzzle - 31-01-12 14:41 Mt Smart confirmed for All Whites' ASB Summer International - 26-01-12 10:31 Kiwis abroad: Wood joins Bristol City on loan - 13-01-12 08:58 Kiwis abroad: Wood’s winner gives Brugge the Blues - 21-10-11 08:09
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
I think this is ridiclous. Apparently its about a 22 hour flight from London to Auckland and 20 hours from Stockholm and obviously a massive time switch. So, because this is not a normal 2 week international break, all European-based players will basically be screwed for their next matches on Saturday. Of course teams have to release them as it is a FIFA date, but I would still fully expect players to be getting "injured" and then recovering for the weekends game. As the local-based players are already going to be playing against Cuba twice the week before, I don't see the point of this match.
The point of this match is that the JFF is judging that Jamaica can at least get that 4th place play-off spot, which will bring them up against the winner of the Oceana confederation...which can only, realistically, be New Zealand...
So, a dry run series of matches against New Zealand is vital to both Jamaica's and New Zealands plans for Brazil 2014...
This is the best thing the JFF has done in the last two years...a playoff against New Zealand will involve the same dynamics of travel, stress, player availibility and health..everything that this practice series will entail.
Does this answer your question ?
It is funny because the only way JA get to those playoff matches against New Zealand is by earning the 4th spot against its CONCACAF opponents, yet many here had to be dragged screaming and kicking to see the importance of playing friendlies against CONCACAF teams, but this far off "possible" play-off match must be prepared for at all cost.
Published: 10:15AM Monday July 12, 2010 Source: ONE Sport
Shane Smeltz celebrates - Source: Photosport Spain's victory in the World Cup final on Monday has left the All Whites with their own unique slice of history from the 2010 World Cup.
Ricki Herbert's squad are the only team of the 32 nations at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals to not lose a match, having been unbeaten in their three group matches against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. New Zealand arrived in South Africa ranked 78th in the world and were 1000-1 outsiders at the TAB to win the tournament.
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
Dan Keat is the notable inclusion in the All Whites squad for the international friendly against Jamaica later this month.
The 24-year-old is the only newcomer to the 18-man squad which will be captained by new Spurs signing Ryan Nelsen.
It contains a number of players who helped New Zealand to an undefeated run at the 2010 World Cup but is also sprinkled with the next generation who will be charged with attempting to qualify for consecutive World Cups.
Defender Ivan Vicelich is the most experienced player with 73 caps but missing are striker Rory Fallon and midfielder Simon Elliott.
Coach Ricki Herbert is awash with options up front and opted for Shane Smeltz, Chris Wood, Chris Killen and Kosta Barbarouses to face Jamaica but Fallon, who scored the goal against Bahrain to get the All Whites to the World Cup, remains a consideration because of his added height and ability in the air.
Elliott wasn't included due to a hernia complaint but it's unlikely the 37-year-old would have been selected anyway given coach Ricki Herbert's desire to run his eye over a player like Keat before the upcoming first round of the World Cup qualifiers in June.
He knows what Elliott can do and is still in the wider All Whites squad but the match against Jamaica is the last before the World Cup qualifying tournament.
The likes of Andy Boyens, Jeremy Christie, Aaron Clapham and David Mulligan are all missing, along with recent call ups like Craig Henderson, Michael Boxall and Michael Fitzgerald. Goalkeeper Glen Moss is unavailable with a torn abductor muscle, meaning Jake Gleeson joins Mark Paston in the squad.
"I don't think a New Zealand coach has ever named a team where so many overseas pros have been left out and it has certainly been a hard squad to whittle down to just 18 players'' Herbert said.
"When everyone is fit, it's clear I have some very tough choices to make and they are choices I don't make lightly. There are players not making this trip who have given a great deal to the success of the national team and will certainly do so again in the future.
"The desire to represent New Zealand has always been high within this group and the healthy competition will continue through to starting spots.
"We've got players who performed at the World Cup, and others have forced their way in with their form for club or country in the time since then. It's a squad we think can send a message to Concacaf.''
"There are a couple of young players I need to take another look at it and this will be our only chance to run our eye over Dan Keat before the qualifiers.''
Keat captained New Zealand at the 2007 under-20 World Cup and also played in the 2008 Olympics campaign - he missed the Olympics due to injury - and is a player who has been on Herbert's radar. He was picked last year up by the Los Angeles Galaxy as the No 3 selection in Major League Soccer's supplemental draft to play alongside luminaries like David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel.
They might not have such global recognition as his club teammates but soon Keat will call the likes of Ryan Nelsen, Shane Smeltz and Winston Reid teammates.
All Whites squad to play Jamaica in the international friendly football match at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, on February 29:
Goalkeepers: Jake Gleeson (Portland Timbers, USA), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix).
Defenders: Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (captain, Tottenham Hotspur, ENG), Winston Reid (West Ham, ENG), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town, ENG), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City).
Midfielders: Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets, AUS), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Dan Keat (Los Angeles Galaxy, USA), Michael McGlinchey (Central Coast Mariners, AUS), Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory, AUS).
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Alania Vladikavkaz, RUS), Chris Killen (Shenzhen Ruby, CHN), Shane Smeltz (Perth Glory, AUS), Chris Wood (Bristol City, ENG).
Asked Marcus Bean on Twitter if he had heard from the JFF regarding this match and he said "not yet but hope to be involved. #honour" So either he is not in their plans for this match or the JFF still don't have their stuff together.
Forget the individual players and look at the football clubs from which New Zealand has picked their squad...
And look at the list of the football clubs from which Jamaica can potentially pick a squad...
Stoke City (EPL) Blackburn Rovers(EPL) Newcastle United (EPL) Bolton Wanderers FC(EPL) Bristol City (Championship) Birmingham City(Championship) Reading FC (Championship) Montreal Impact(MLS) Houston Dynamo(MLS) New York Red Bulls(MLS) Preston North End(League 1) Sheffield Wednesday Sheffield United Chesterfield Glasgow Celtic(SPL) Motherwell(SPL) FC Brann(Norway) Aasselund or whatever(Norway) the Turkish side (Shelton) The Vietnam League The Jamaican Red Stripe League
And the list does on and on...
My point is that it is going to take a very professional and knowledgeable Jamaica Football Federation to utilise this very large pool of playing resources and so far, the JFF has not proven to be capable of doing this.
What they do with this New Zealand match is going to say a whole lot about how these upcoming qualifiers will be approached.
Forget the individual players and look at the football clubs from which New Zealand has picked their squad...
And look at the list of the football clubs from which Jamaica can potentially pick a squad...
Stoke City (EPL) Fuller SWANSEA CITY (EPL) Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer Blackburn Rovers(EPL) Junior Hoilett, Jordan Slew Newcastle United (EPL) Simpson, Remie Streete & Nile Ranger Arsenal (EPL) Alex Chamberlain, Nigel Nieta, Sanchez Watt Norwich city (EPL) Leon Barnett Bolton Wanderers FC(EPL) Bibi, Pratley & Zat Knight LIVERPOOL (EPL) Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom Aston Villa (EPL) Daniel Johnson Wolves (EPL) Karl Henry, Sylvan Blakes Bristol City (Championship) Marvin Elliot Birmingham City(Championship) Marlon King, Nathan Redmon, Luke Hubbins Reading FC (Championship) Jobi McAnuff Leicester (CHAMP) Jermaine Beckford Nott Forest(Championship) Gareth McCleary, Lewis McGugan WATFORD (Championship) Nyron Nosworthy, Adrian Mariappa, Lloyd Doyley Preston North End(League 1) Dada Daley Sheffield Wednesday (League 1) JJ Sheffield United (League 1) Lee Williamson Milwall (CHAMP) Jay Simpson Wycombe(CHAMP) Joel Grant Peterborough (CHAMP) Mark Little Burnley (CHAMP) Zavon Hines Chesterfield (LEAGUE 1) Nathan Smith
Motherwell(SPL)Chris Humpries Glasgow Celtic(SPL) Kelvin Wilson
Montreal Impact(MLS) Houston Dynamo(MLS) New York Red Bulls(MLS) FC Brann(Norway) Aasselund or whatever(Norway) the Turkish side (Shelton) The Vietnam League The Jamaican Red Stripe League
And the list does on and on...
My point is that it is going to take a very professional and knowledgeable Jamaica Football Federation to utilise this very large pool of playing resources and so far, the JFF has not proven to be capable of doing this.
What they do with this New Zealand match is going to say a whole lot about how these upcoming qualifiers will be approached.
Agreed 100% Ric, this match is proof positive or negative as to the capabilities of this organization transitioning to the next level. New Zealand is not a pip-squeek, they did not lose a match during the past World Cup, including playing Italy.
Somehow I think the JFF believe we are at the next level already; they need to be awakened, to realize that they need to aggressively go after our best players in McAnuff, Hoilett, McGugan, and Dyer or Sinclair.
Senior Men’s training Camp in preparation for Jamaica vs Cuba/New Zealand friendlies
February 13, 2012 | Filed underArticles,Featured Posts,Jamaica National Teams,Men's Senior News,National News,News,Press Releases,Teams | Posted by JamFedadmin
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) continues preparation for qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil; with the staging of a Training Camp and three International Friendly Matches.
This present camp will commence on Monday February 13 and end on Saturday February 25, 2012. The team will play two home games against the Cuban Senior Male Team (February 22- National Stadium, Kingston/February 24-Catherine Hall, Montego Bay) and February 29 against the New Zealand Team (Auckland).
The local delegation will depart for Auckland, New Zealand-Saturday February 25, and return March 2, 2012. All players are expected to join the Training Camp, Monday February 13, 2012 at 6:00pm. Players participating in the Red Stripe Premier League Monday Night Game (Waterhouse v Montego Bay United) will join the camp after.
Attached is the list of invitees.The squad trains at the JFF Football Center at the UWI and St Georges College on Tuesday, Feb.14 and Wednesday, February 15 at 8 am and 4 pm respectively on each day. Overseas based players Ryan Johnson; Jevaughn Watson and Jermaine Taylor are expected to join the squad on February 19.
LIST OF PLAYERS INVITED TO SENIOR TEAM CAMP, FEB. 13-19
1 KELSO COUSINS WATERHOUSE FC GOALKEEPER 2 JACOMENO BARRETT MONTEGO BAY UNITED FC GOALKEEPER 3 RICHARD McCALLUM WATERHOUSE FC GOALKEEPER 4 XAVIAN VIRGO BOY’S TOWN DEFENDER 5 ROHAN REID ARNETT GARDENS FC DEFENDER 6 ADRIAN REID PORTMORE UNITED DEFENDER 7 MONTROSE PHINN HARBOUR VIEW FC DEFENDER 8 KENEIL MOODIE MONTEGO BAY UNITED FC DEFENDER 9 UPSTON EDWARDS PORTMORE UNITED DEFENDER 10 TROY SMITH MONTEGO BAY UNITED FC DEFENDER 11 ANDRAE CAMPBELL WATERHOUSE FC DEFENDER 12 ONIEL THOMPSON BOY’S TOWN MIDFIELD 13 RICHARD EDWARDS HARBOUR VIEW FC MIDFIELD 14 EWAN GRANDISON PORTMORE UNITED MIDFIELD 15 VINCENT EARLE WATERHOUSE FC MIDFIELD 16 JOEL SENIOR HARBOUR VIEW FC MIDFIELD 17 CAMAL REID SPORTING CENTRAL MIDFIELD 18 ROMEO PARKES TIVOLI GARDENS FC MIDFIELD 19 JORGINHO JAMES HARBOUR VIEW FC MIDFIELD 20 RENAE LlOYD BOY’S TOWN MIDFIELD 21 NAVION BOYD TIVOLI GARDENS FC FORWARD 22 TRAMAINE STEWART PORTMORE UNITED FORWARD 23 MITCHILY WAUL TIVOLI GARDENS FC FORWARD 24 DINO WILLIAMS VILLAGE UNITED FORWARD
Marklon calm down, only a fraction of these players will be named to the squad for the New Zealand friendly. The selection above which imo are the best the RSPL has to offer will be on call for our 2 Cuba friendlies plus the other Non-Fifa match day against Costa Rica.
