PREVIEW: Expect ‘tweaks’ to All Whites’ starting line-up against Tunisia

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley says there’ll be “tweaks” to the starting line-up for Wednesday’s international match with Tunisia.

“I think that’s fair with the broad squad we have and the turnaround in between (games),” he told a media briefing ahead of the match at Cairo International Stadium.

“(There) won’t be massive changes because we’re pretty settled in a few areas.”

Bazeley said team selection would follow the final training session in Cairo.

In Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Egypt, the All Whites made no substitutions till the 70th minute.

Asked if he might turn to his bench sooner against Tunisia, Bazeley said: “I think every game is different. We felt like we were doing some good stuff in certain areas, and that we were pretty comfortable within the game, but sometimes you can make changes and it unsettles the performance.”

Bazeley said the decision-making required a balance between being as effective as possible on the pitch but balancing that with providing opportunities for players.

Players who had no game time against Egypt were goalkeepers Alex Paulsen and Oli Sail, uncapped teenage Lukas Kelly-Heald, Tommy Smith and Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer.

Defender Finn Surman stayed on the bench but a head knock in training has forced his withdrawal from the squad.

READ MORE: All Whites defender Finn Surman ruled out of Tunisia match >>>>

Meanwhile, Tunisia have announced their team will play in white strip, suggesting the New Zealand side will take the field in their black kit.

The Tunisians have confirmed defensive midfielder Hajj Mahmoud has been left out of the matchday squad after an MRI scan confirmed an injury would prevent him from playing.

How to watch

Wednesday’s match will be streamed live and free by FIFA+.

READ MORE: Penalty sinks All Whites in tournament opener against hosts Egypt >>>>

READ MORE: Coach Darren Bazeley’s post-match reaction after All Whites loss to Egypt >>>>

WATCH: Highlights from Egypt’s 1-0 win against New Zealand >>>>

Fixtures

Game to be played on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 (NZT)

Play-off for third place

New Zealand v Tunisia
Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, kick-off 9am (NZT)

Final

Egypt v Croatia
New Administrative Capital Stadium, Cairo, kick-off 9am (NZT)

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