Fifa World Cup: Chris Wood, Tommy Smith make history as New Zealand name 26-man squad
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has sprung minimal surprises in his 26-man squad to head to this year’s Fifa World Cup in North America.
As the third country to confirm their final squad to head to the United States, Canada and Mexico next month, New Zealand have been able to select a tried and trusted group, with every player having earned at least one cap.
The pair of Chris Wood and Tommy Smith both make history as the first New Zealanders to appear at two men’s World Cups. They were aged 18 and 20 at South Africa 2010, and will head to the US at 34 and 36 respectively.
Wood has been named as the squad’s captain, and follows Steve Sumner (1982) and Ryan Nelsen (2010) in leading New Zealand to a World Cup.
“It is a privilege to be in this role and name a squad for the Fifa World Cup, the pinnacle of the game and the dream of everyone who plays,” Bazeley said.
“We have spent the last few years building to this moment and tracking around 55 players in contention to make it on to the plane to Canada, Mexico, the USA.
“As a coaching team, we have selected a squad that we feel will put us in the best place to perform; a blend of really exciting young talent and experienced players to maximise our chances of winning games and getting out of our group.
“This is never going to be an easy process, and the responsibility isn’t lost on us, but I’m confident we have landed on the best possible squad to face Iran, Egypt, Belgium and beyond.
“Now the time for discussions is over. We need to head to the tournament and take the opportunity in front of us to make history for New Zealand.”
The inclusion of Smith, who is playing non-league football in England, comes alongside fellow central defenders Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker and Finn Surman, while Wellington Phoenix’s Bill Tuiloma has missed the cut.
In the forward line, Wood will be supported by Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine and Callum McCowatt as out-and-out striker options, while Eli Just and Jesse Randall will add depth on the flanks.
Despite an impressive start to life with South African club Orlando Pirates, Andre de Jong is the unlucky striker to miss out.
While there is no genuine bolter, Australian-born Lachlan Bayliss is the least experienced member of the squad, having made his New Zealand debut earlier this year.
The 23-year-old has just two caps to his name, and joins an impressive collective of central midfielders, containing Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic and Ryan Thomas.
In goal, the selections of Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen were never in doubt. However, Auckland FC’s Michael Woud has been picked as the all-important third, after his recent heroics in the A-League.
Crocombe appears to have beaten Paulsen in the race to be New Zealand’s first-choice goalkeeper, after being named to wear the No 1 jersey.
Woud’s selection comes ahead of Huddersfield Town’s Nik Tzanev, and the uncapped Kees Sims, currently playing for Swedish side GAIS.
The All Whites face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in this year’s tournament, starting on June 16 in Inglewood, California.
New Zealand squad:
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood
That's all from us
Alex Powell
That'll be it for the live coverage.
We'll have plenty to come from our man on the ground, Michael Burgess, later today – so stay tuned for that!
Otherwise, thanks for joining us – and bring on the World Cup!
Chris Wood speaks
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Currently in England, the All Whites captain appears via a pre-recorded video message.
"I can't wait to share the moment with you all, and create some history.
"I hope we can do you all proud, and show the world what we're capable of."
History made
Alex Powell
There it is, your 26-man squad to head to North America, backed by Elemeno P's 'Verona'.
Worth pointing out that the pair of Chris Wood and Tommy Smith will become the first Kiwis to go to two different World Cups.
Chris Wood has also been confirmed as captain, following Steve Sumner and Ryan Nelsen.
Squad named!
Alex Powell
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood
Alex Powell
"We're ready to go and make New Zealand proud and make history".
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"The last week has been challenging, a lot of difficult conversations.
"I know these players really well. To speak to them and let them down has been really challenging."
Darren Bazeley takes the stage
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The All Whites coach will read the 26 names.
Andrew Pragnell speaks
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NZ Football's chief executive takes the stage at Eden Park.
"A very, very exciting day," he tells the room.
Five minutes to go
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Word through from NZ Football head of communications Tris Cotterill, 11:05am start.
Not long to go now...
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We're expecting the squad just after 11am.
Who'll be in, and who'll miss out?!
What about Kosta?
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Kosta Barbarouses has had to wait a long time for the chance at a World Cup. He was 18 in 2010, and missed out, but is still kicking 16 years on, and is definitely in the picture this time around.
Is there room for Tommy Smith?
Alex Powell
If selected, 36-year-old Tommy Smith would join Chris Wood at his second World Cup, but is by no means a guaranteed name to be read out today.
With the likes of Michael Boxall, Tyler Bindon, Finn Surman and Nando Pijnaker almost certain to be on the plane, there isn't necessarily need for another centre back.
However, Smith is an excellent squad member – as seen at Auckland FC last year – and his experience would certainly be welcomed as the All Whites head north.
The big questions
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NZ Herald football writer Michael Burgess breaks down all the major selection dilemmas.
Players not speaking today
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Disappointingly, fans won't get to hear from any of New Zealand's 26 today.
"To ensure the squad are in the best place to perform at the tournament, the decision has been taken not to disturb the New Zealand-based players training and preparation schedule by bringing them to the squad announcement," was the explanation given by New Zealand Football.
Coach Bazeley, assistant coach Tony Readings and NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell will speak instead.
Alex Powell
The All Whites will be the third country to name their final 26 to head to the US, Canada and Mexico.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were the first, and named 40-year-old former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko in their travelling group.
Sweden followed a day later, and included Liverpool's Alexander Isak, despite his struggles this season.
What surprises will Darren Bazeley spring?
Kia ora
Alex Powell
Good morning, and welcome to the Herald's coverage of the All Whites World Cup squad naming.
The 26-man squad isn't expected until after 11am, so we'll bring you all the build-up until then.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
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