Captain and defensive lynch-pin Finn Surman is doing all he can to be game-fit in time for New Zealand’s crucial match against the United States at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
Head coach Darren Bazeley said Surman had been receiving daily physio treatment after leaving the pitch against hosts Argentina on Saturday.
Bazeley said the Wellington Phoenix player had a professional attitude and was doing all he could to make sure he would be ready for the Round of 16 game against the United States, which kicks off on Wednesday (5.30am NZT).
Meanwhile, Surman has told NewstalkZB’s Jason Pine he’s confident he’ll be ready for the United States game.
Surman said his second-half substitution against Argentina was not just to protect him from injury; it was also about managing his game minutes because he had not had much game time in the lead-up to the tournament.
Will he be fit for the United States match?
Surman: “All is well.”
READ MORE: New Zealand U-20 coach Darren Bazeley: ‘We’ll give everything to make history’ >>>>
Main photo: Finn Surman … in impressive form at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Argentina.
Fixture
Game to be played on Wednesday May 31, 2023
United States v New Zealand
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, 5.30am (NZT)
READ MORE: Our stories from the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup >>>>
Jason Pine’s interview with Finn Surman
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