23 for 2010 – New Zealand: World Cup squad analysis

I didn’t need to predict New Zealand’s final 23 as All Whites’ manager Ricky Herbert already did the work for me. He has already selected a World Cup 23 man squad:

Goalkeepers

James Bannatyne – Despite making his international debut in 2001 against the Cook Islands, the 34 year old veteran who plays for Team Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship has only gone on to make 3 appearances for his country.

Glen Moss – The second choice goalie at Melbourne Victory, Glen Moss has made 15 appearances for New Zealand including 3 appearances at last years Confederations Cup where he kept a clean sheet against Asian champions Iraq.

Mark Paston – Ricky Herbert’s preferred goalkeeper plays for the Wellington Phoenix who despite being based in the city of Wellington play in the A-League. Paston has played 20 times for the All Whites and barring injury will be playing in all 3 group games for New Zealand.

Defenders

Andrew Boyens – The 26 year old centreback, who plays for the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer. Despite being 26, Boyens has only played 3 seasons of professional football, all in the MLS. He’ll be looking to add to his 15 caps for his country although he’ll be most likely on the bench.

Tony Lochhead – Another Kiwi defender, another player with MLS experience, as Tony Lochhead has played in the MLS for the New England Revolution. In 2007 he joined the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League. The leftback is likely to add to his 27 caps as he is most probably first choice.

Ryan Nelsen – The captain of both club side Blackburn and the All Whites. Ryan Nelsen is the only player in the All Whites to play in the Premier League. Ryan Nelsen will be absolutely crucial to New Zealand in the World Cup as he’ll have to do an outstanding job of commanding the defence.

Winston Reid – The FC Midtjylland centreback who played for Denmark at youth level before declaring himself for New Zealand ahead of the World Cup, is in Herbert’s squad. Reid can also play rightback and it will be interesting to see whether he’ll make his debut in South Africa.

Ben Sigmund – A natural centreback who plays for the Wellington Phoenix is likely to play as a rightback for New Zealand. Sigmund is even first choice centreback for his club, managed by New Zealand coach Ricky Herbert.

Tommy Smith – 20 year old Ipswich Town defender who can play at either centreback or leftback. Smith could be very useful for New Zealand to have on the bench in-case of injury. He has only played once for the All Whites though, in a friendly against Mexico.

Ivan Vicelich – 33 year old veteran defender who has won the most caps for New Zealand with 65, Vicelich will provide crucial experience for New Zealand as he has played in the Eredivisie for Roda JC and for RKC Waalwijk. He is currently playing for New Zealand Football Championship side Auckland City.

Midfielders

Andy Barron – Andy is another of New Zealand’s players to never have played at a professional level never alone at a major tournament like the World Cup so this could provide an eye-opener for the natural central midfielder who plays for Team Wellington. He is not likely to start for the All Whites.

Leo Bertos – The 28 year old winger and attacking midfielder is likely to play on the left wing for New Zealand. He is currently playing for A-League side Wellington Phoenix and has played for teams in the lower-leagues of English football like Rochdale and Barnsley.

Jeremy Brockie – Brockie is a real journeyman despite being only 22 years of age playing for 9 senior clubs. He has now ended up at A-League side, the Newcastle Jets although is yet to play a game. He has played for the All Whites on 15 occasions but the Attacking Midfielder is most likely to be on the bench.

Tim Brown – 29 year old Central Midfielder who has made 24 appearances for his country. He plays for A-League club Wellington Phoenix where he is currently vice-captain. He is likely to be in Herbert’s first eleven.

Jeremy Christie – Another journeyman, this 26 year old is currently playing for USSF Division 2 side FC Tampa Bay. Christie, while unlikely to be in the first eleven, could be a useful option for Ricky Herbert off the bench.

Aaron Clapham – Aaron Clapham was a real bolter in this World Cup squad. After a very good season for Canterbury United in the NZ Football Championship the 23 year old was a real surprise pick for the World Cup, although he won’t be in first eleven.

Simon Elliott – The 35 year old veteran who has made 60 appearances for the All Whites is one of 2 players in Herbert’s World Cup squad who do not have a club. He’ll be first choice Central Midfielder alongside Tim Brown for the All Whites.

Michael McGlinchey – The Central Coast Mariners player is currently out on loan at Scottish Premier League side Motherwell. Despite playing for the Scottish Under 20s at the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup he switched alliegence to New Zealand. He is not first choice but the Central Midfielder could feature off the bench.

David Mulligan – The other player included in the squad without a club is David Mulligan. He is a right-sided player who can play at Rightback and at Right Midfield and he has made 25 appearances for New Zealand.

Forwards

Rory Fallon – Under new FIFA rules, Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon has been able to play for New Zealand and he has taken his opportunity, playing 4 games and scoring twice. He’ll most certainly be in the first eleven.

Chris Killen – Middlesbrough striker Killen could be an attacking weapon off the bench for New Zealand to provide a little spark. In 30 games for New Zealand he has scored 10 times.

Shane Smeltz – Shane Smeltz is a fan favourite for Gold Coast United. Since coming to the A-League from the lower leagues of English football, Smeltz has been a sensation, winning the Johnny Warren Medal in the 2008/09 season and winning the A-League Golden Boot twice in both 2008/09 and 2009/10. If New Zealand do well at the World Cup it will be due to Shane Smeltz.

Chris Wood – 18 year old West Brom striker Chris Wood is the final member of the World Cup squad. He will not be starting but as the youngest member of Herbert’s squad it’ll be a great experience for the player.

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23 for 2010, New Zealand, Squad Analysis, World Cup 2010