All Whites vs Egypt

Friday 22 March at 10pm [local] / Saturday 23 March at 9am [NZT]

New Administrative Capital Stadium, Cairo, Egypt

Watch live and free on FIFA+

The All Whites kick off 2024 with two big matches against higher ranked sides as part of the new FIFA Series competition which sees countries from difference confederations who wouldn’t normally face each other play games. 

The four team tournament features Croatia (FIFA rank 10), Egypt (FIFA rank 36), Tunisia (FIFA rank 41) and New Zealand and will now take place in Cairo, Egypt after the competition was moved from Abu Dhabi. 

Darren Bazeley’s side start against the hosts with the winner going on to face the winner of Croatia vs Tunisia and the loser facing the loser of the other game. The game will be the first ever match held at Egypt’s brand new 93,000 seater New Administrative Capital Stadium, about 40kms outside of Cairo. 

The All Whites will be looking to start 2024 as the ended 2023 after a strong performance against Republic of Ireland in Dublin, drawing 1-1 in November for their first result against a European side since 2010. 

 

Likely Team:

Before the tour three players named in the initial squad (Joe Bell, Tim Payne and Chris Wood) had to drop out with injury with Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer called up as a replacement. 

Fortunately at the pre-match press conference head coach Darren Bazeley confirmed that no other players were carrying any injuries so he would be able to pick from the full 22 players in the side. 

As used in the majority of games in the second half of 2023, Bazeley looks set to continue with the same 433 formation to get the best of the talent at his disposal. 

The squad for the tour features four outfield players recalled after their great club form in Kosta Barbarouses, Dane Ingham, Ben Old and Alex Rufer, so all will be pushing to get minutes in Cairo.

One area of the pitch which is highly contested is the All Whites net with all three keepers, Burton Albion’s Max Crocombe, Wellington Phoenix’s Alex Paulsen and Perth Glory’s Oli Sail, all playing regularly and in good form for their clubs.


Head coach Darren Bazeley on selecting the side for the game: 

“We've had a few days training where we've had a look at different people in different scenarios and ultimately we'll have to make some selection decisions but I know that the guys that are not in will be ready to come on and do their best and take over the roles and responsibility when they get their opportunity.

“You know everybody that starts or comes are pushing for an opportunity to stake a claim for the second game and that's how football works, we're in a position now where you have to perform.”


Player to Watch: Trézéguet

When you think of the Egyptian national team there is one player that instantly comes to mind but superstar forward Mo Salah hasn’t been called up this window to spend time at Liverpool instead. But while the iconic number 10 may not be in Cairo, Egypt are still stacked with experience across the pitch. 

Likely leading the line will be Trézéguet, the former Aston Villa forward who now plys his trade in Turkey with Trabzonspor. The 29-year-old has played across Europe as well as earning over 70 caps for his country including at the FIFA World Cup and African Cup on Nations. 


Where to Watch: 

Watch the match live and free on FIFA+ 

Article added: Friday 22 March 2024