Jason Pine on what to make of the All Whites’ 3-1 defeat to Egypt at the Fifa World Cup after such a promising first half.
What might have been
New Zealand’s first half was among their best ever as they opened the scoring and repelled everything thrown their way bythe world’s 29th-ranked side. An air of justifiable optimism was palpable at halftime, before Egypt flexed their attacking muscles and took the game away after the break.
Finn Surman’s header to open the scoring was glorious, but as impressive was the way he shackled Egypt’s much-vaunted front-line in the first half. There’s more than a bit of Ryan Nelsen about the Portland-based centre-back and at 22 years of age, you wonder how far he might go. He really could be anything he wants.
Finn Surman (left) celebrates his goal with All Whites captain Chris Wood in the Fifa World Cup clash against Egypt in Vancouver. Photo / Photosport
A new way
If you hadn’t watched the All Whites for a while and tuned in to this match, you might wonder which team was in the world’s top 30 and which was ranked 85th. The football our team now plays is energetic, eye-catching and enjoyable to watch.
Defensive lapses costly
Egypt’s first and third goals – both headers – seemed defendable with Mostafa Ziko and Trezeguet given far too much space in the penalty area. With Iran’s second goal in the opening match conceded in similar fashion, it’s a major work-on for the side before Saturday’s clash with Belgium.
Oh, ref!
Pinpointing officials after defeats always smacks of sour grapes, but the fact is referee Omar Alali had a poor game. His inconsistent rulings were the source of growing frustration for New Zealand’s players and coaching staff and are still hard to fathom. Ryan Nelsen’s iconic 2010 line about the referee having “stars in his eyes” when the All Whites played Italy could equally apply here.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt celebrates scoring against the All Whites. Photo / Getty Images
Raise the roof
BC Place in Vancouver has the world’s largest cable-supported retractable roof, making for a spectacular amphitheatre and an even louder atmosphere. Think Te Kaha, double it, and then crank up the volume several more notches.
