Latest news with #FinnSurman
1News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- 1News
All Whites prepare to take on Ukraine after Côte d'Ivoire triumph
As the All Whites enjoy the afterglow of a 1-0 win over Côte d'Ivoire – and prepare for Ukraine tomorrow – the wheels will be in motion for a flurry of transfers involving New Zealand's top international talent. The off-season months are going to be critical for any player hoping to be involved at next year's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Some will be on the fringes of their team's first XIs. Others, like Ben Waine, will be in search of a new club altogether. 'I'm a free agent, so we'll have to see what comes my way,' the 23-year-old told Breakfast. ADVERTISEMENT New Zealand huddle at centre field after defeating Cote d'Ivoire (Source: Photosport) 'But it's an exciting position to be in.' The former Plymouth Argyle forward, who played at Mansfield on loan this year, agrees players are going to be on the lookout for the best chance to impress their national team coach. 'I think that's spot on, even for me now [the World Cup is] a massive consideration about where I go next. 'It's about playing if you want to be involved with such a huge opportunity.' 'I think first and foremost it's [game time], but also you don't want to compromise the level you're playing at, it's a little bit of a balancing act.' Finn Surman missed the New Zealand-based finals qualifiers to focus on his career at Portland Timbers, a move that has been vindicated with his return to the All Whites. ADVERTISEMENT 'Hindsight's always easier to speak with, but I think it has worked out in a positive way. 'Now I'm more comfortable in my club and I'm playing more, so it provides us with more competition for places here. That can only help the team.' The All Whites kick off against Ukraine in their Canadian Shield match at 9am NZT tomorrow.
Morocco World
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Cote d'Ivoire vs New Zealand: When and How Watch
Meknes – Cote d'Ivoire meets New Zealand at BMO Field in Toronto in the Canadian Shield's second match on Sunday, a friendly giving both teams a chance to test themselves before World Cup qualifying games. The two sides have never met in an official match, making their first-ever encounter. Kick-off is set for 12:00 a.m. on 8 June (GMT+1) and fans can watch live on FOX Soccer Plus in the USA, OneSoccer and TSN in Canada, and beIN SPORTS MENA. Cote d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Fae brings a strong squad, but Manchester United's Amad Diallo and Salzburg's Dorgelès Maho are out. Reims midfielder Mory Gbane gets his first call-up. 'This tournament will allow us to get a feel for the local conditions and test ourselves against North American and Oceanian teams, who have a different style of play,' Fae said in a pre-game interview. He added that it's 'a fantastic opportunity for our development.' New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley recalls center-back Finn Surman, Nottingham Forest attacker Chris Wood, and goalkeeper Nik Tzanev after injury layoffs. 'We have looked to put in place a program of games so that, should we qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, we will have faced a range of opponents in the buildup and both Côte d'Ivoire and Ukraine will provide a real test for us, which is exactly what we want,' Bazeley said in pre-game interview Key match-ups feature Simon Adingra's speed versus Finn Surman's defensive positioning, while in midfield, Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré will look to overpower Liberato Cacace and Marko Stamenic in the midfield. Both coaches are focusing on improving their pressing and ball transitions before real competition begins. Predicted line-ups Côte d'Ivoire (4-2-3-1): Yahia Fofana, Wilfried Singo, Odilon Kossounou, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ghislain Konan; Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié; Nicolas Pépé, Mohamed Diomande, Simon Adingra, Sébastien Haller. New Zealand (3-4-2-1): Max Crocombe, Tyler Bindon, Finn Surman, Francis de Vries; Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callan Elliot; Alex Garbett, Elijah Just; Chris Wood. Predicted Score: Cote d'Ivoire 2–1 New Zealand . Tags: afcon cote d'ivoireCôte d'Ivoire's
