Football: All Whites underline their potential with impressive victory ...
Against admittedly modest opponents – Malaysia are ranked world No 132 – the All Whites exhibited their full range of attacking potential, with some crisp passing, interplay and movement.
They were profligate in the first half - and a little unlucky - as the Asian side were disciplined and determined behind the ball. But they eventually found a way, a reward for perseverance and a willingness to stick to their patterns.
In front of a vocal crowd of 8513, who braved chilly, wet conditions in Auckland, it was the kind of display the All Whites desperately wanted to put on, given the paucity of chances they get to play in this country.
It also underlined the excitement about this generation, as eight of the starting team were aged 24 or under, with only Michael Boxall (36), Storm Roux (31) and Alex Rufer (28) not born this century.
Libby Cacace was again outstanding, while Ben Old showed the benefits of his time in France. Just was lively and the central midfield controlled the game well.
Coach Darren Bazeley reshuffled his starting XI from Friday’s win over Tahiti, with Alex Paulsen (Max Crocombe), Boxall (Nando Pijnaker), Roux (Tim Payne) and Ben Waine (Wood) coming in. Wood’s time was being managed – with his Nottingham Forest commitments - along with the desire to reward Waine with some gametime.
The first half was fever and finesse followed by frustration. It’s hard to remember a similar 45 minutes from an All Whites team – with so many chances created – and none able to be taken. New Zealand had at least 15 shots, as well as the crosses or passes that squirmed just out of reach.
The Malaysian defending was resolute, with an ability to get bodies in the way, as they protected their penalty area well, but the All Whites should have been at least two or three ahead. It came down to split-second decisions and some hesitation, or wrong options.
There was also a lack of late runs – gambling to the far post – which meant some crosses went unrewarded. Just had a good opportunity in the first few minutes – denied by the goalkeeper after Marko Stamenic had created space – which became a pattern. Old headed over with the goal at his mercy, then forced a brilliant save with a dipping curling shot after a sweeping team move.
Other shots weren’t caught clean, with Cacace and Garbett having chances from a handy range, while Waine was too often outnumbered, well-marked by at least two defenders.
After a snappy first 30 minutes, the All Whites lost momentum. They got frustrated – shown by some ambitious shots from distance when better options were available – and Malaysia began to make some incursions.
Malaysia started well after the break and the visitors felt Roux was fortunate to receive only a yellow card, after a sprawling challenge to stop a counter-attack.
The break through came from a fast transition, with Just sliding home. The goal was created by Cacace, who drove forward before finding his teammate. The fullback was also instrumental in the second, his pace and power again making inroads, before laying on a delightful ball for Garbett, who finished with aplomb, placing his shot in the corner.
Now the All Whites had a head of steam, and Wood added a third soon after coming on. Fellow substitute Kosta Barbarouses delivered a pinpoint ball to the far post, with Wood showing his striking instincts to nod home, while narrowly avoiding a collision with the woodwork.
After Stamenic was denied by another flying save, Rogerson added the final flourish with a sweet hit from the edge of the area, to round out an impressive display.
All Whites 4 (Elijah Just 53′, Matt Garbett 61′, Chris Wood 72′, Logan Rogerson 90′)
Malaysia 0
Halftime 0-0
