The All Whites played out a 0-0 draw with Oman at the Education City Stadium in Doha today as they continued to build up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Intercontinental Play-Off match against Costa Rica. 

Danny Hay’s side saw nine changes from the team that lost narrowly against Peru in Barcelona with only Bill Tuiloma and Marko Stamenic retained. Tuiloma captained the side for the first time in Winston Reid’s absence. Reid withdrew on the eve of the game with a slightly tight groin. Joe Bell, Liberato Cacace and Matt Garbett all joined Reid in not being named in the match day squad after playing the majority of the Peru game. 

Setting up in a 433 formation, the All Whites dominated the game but failed to find a breakthrough after 90 minutes. 

The first half saw Francis de Vries and Marco Rojas, making his first All Whites appearance in 3 years, combine well on a number of occasions. 

The second half saw Oman grow into the game more but the best chances still fell to the All Whites. 

After the match, Head Coach Danny Hay said that the game has been useful ahead of the Intercontinetal Play-Off:

“It served its purpose. It was an opportunity to give players minutes and that’s exactly what it did. 

“We’ve come out of it injury free which is the most important thing”

The All Whites starting XI:

Stefan Marinovic (GK), Bill Tuiloma (Tommy Smith 45’), Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, Dane Ingham (Tim Payne 63’), Marko Stamenic. Elijah Just, Callum McCowatt (Clayton Lewis 63'), Kosta Barbarouses (Joe Champnesss 63’), Marco Rojas (Logan Rogerson 63’), Ben Waine (Chris Wood 78’). 

Article added: Friday 10 June 2022