All Whites vs Tunisia

Tuesday 26 March at 10pm [local] / Wednesday 27 March at 9am [NZT]

Cairo International Stadium, Egypt

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Following the All Whites narrow defeat by Egypt in the first match at the ACUD Cup FIFA Series in Cairo, Darren Bazeley’s side will be looking to get a result in the third-place play-off match against Tunisia (FIFA rank 41) to claim the bronze medal at the tournament. 

Tunisia came into the tournament with something to prove after finishing bottom of their group at the Africa Cup on Nations in January after two draws and a loss, but they put in a good performance in Cairo against powerhouse Croatia (FIFA rank 10) only beaten on penalties. 

For the All Whites the match represents the chance to again test themselves against a much higher ranked team in a competitive match ahead of potentially facing a similar challenge should they qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

After a strong performance but ultimately a loss against Egypt, the All Whites will be keen to finish the window on a high ahead of the OFC Nations Cup in June. 


Likely Team:

A the pre-match press conference, head coach Darren Bazeley hinted that there may be some fresh faces but not wholesale changes as he looks to balance giving opportunities to the full squad with having a settled first 11. 

Ahead of the game it was confirmed that Wellington Phoenix defender Finn Surman has had to withdraw from the tour and return to his club after suffering a head knock in training.

Surman’s absence could provide an opportunity for club mate Lukas Kelly-Heald, with the 19-year-old the only uncapped outfield player in the squad. 

Formation wise Bazeley has committed to playing a 4-3-3 to get the best out of the players at his disposal. 

 

Head coach Darren Bazeley on what he has taken from the result against Egypt: 

“There's certain elements of the game against Egypt that we were pleased about. Ultimately, we were disappointed to lose the game. We went into the game trying to come off the back of the Ireland performance and to try to continue getting positive results.

“I think we're at a stage now where we came away from home against a team ranked in the 30s, put in some good performances, but came off the pitch really disappointed. And that's where the groups is at right now, that we can compete against a team ranked in the 30s and be really disappointed that we've lost the game.

“We had good possession, we created some good chances, got in some good areas but ultimately this group's ready to now take that next step and start turning performances into results... And we're looking forward to this next challenge against another highly ranked team with Tunisia.”


Player to Watch: Ellyes Skhiri

Captain Ellyes Skhiri is the most capped player in the squad and has experience playing across Europe, most recently with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The French-born defensive midfielder has competed at two FIFA World Cups and was part of the Tunisia side that reached the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.


Where to Watch: 

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Article added: Tuesday 26 March 2024