The Unused Subs

Cristiano Ronaldo to play on for 2030. Yep, CR7 will play at a home World Cup, at the age of 45.

According to Paul Ifill.

But he's got a point! How he traverses the next four years to get there though, that's unknown. What's also unknown is what was going through the mind of Breel Embolo; Switzerland has Argentina locked at 1-1 having just equalized and bossed the second half, then off the 10 metre platform he goes, diving on the floor for a second yellow. We've seen some idiotic things, but this has to be Top 10 at a World Cup, surely?!

Of course that puts the four top nations into the final four, so bring on our Two Flags prediction once again! Why was it such a social media phenomenon last week? Why did English football let Michael Olise walk out the door? Is Jude Bellingham the difference maker when England meets Argentina?

And how do we feel about the All Whites playing India, the world number 138?! It's a chance to see our kiwis in the flesh in Auckland and Christchurch, but the opposition ain't great on paper.

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From not-so secret phone calls to suspend American red cards, to baffling refereeing decisions and our new best friend 'SNICKO', the 2026 FIFA World Cup has had it all... and then some!

With that in mind, the boys on The Unused Subs bench count down the TOP FIVE WILDEST THINGS to have happened before the quarter finals get underway. Where does the orange guy helping Folarin Balogun rank? What of the Croatia/Portugal VAR Snicko debacle? And how about Cabo Verde and Vozinha's on-field performance, creating a social media star? But perhaps, more importantly... is this whole tournament a FIFA conspiracy aimed at getting the big names and nations as deep into the tournament as possible??

Goran, Iffy and the returning Jacob Spoonley predict the winners of the quarter final matches; can France get past Morocco? Will Erling Haaland prove to be too much for a buoyant England? And is Spain actually not that good?!

As always, so much to discuss and debate from the FIFA World Cup!

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Finn Surman transfer rumours are now commonplace after the Portland Timbers and All Whites central defender played out of his skin at the FIFA World Cup... in the process, scoring a fabulous headed goal from a Tim Payne assist against Egypt!

Finn takes the time to join Goran, Iffy & Oli on The Unused Subs to describe the sensation of scoring a World Cup goal. Let's be honest: the vast majority of us will never, ever know what that's like! Finn talks us through the key moments, how he became free in the Egyptian penalty area, and whether his celebration was planned or not!

We talk about how his key moment of inspiration as a youngster was Winston Reid, the former All Whites central defender who scored a headed goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And here's Finn doing exactly that, 16 years later. The comparisons with Reid continue; following the South Africa World Cup, he was signed to West Ham in the English Premier League. So where will Finn go? Is he destined to say farewell to his Portland Timbers teammates?

We also chat about the one-on-one encounters with Taremi, Marmoush, Salah and Lukaku through pool play. How did Finn feel in those moments coming up against genuine football superstars?

On the subject of superstars, Finn talks about the Tim Payne social media explosion with first-hand experience - watching Payney's phone blow up with all the All Whites lads cracking jokes at Tim's expense!

So enjoy our chat with Finn Surman who joins a small - but seriously exclusive list - alongside Sumner, Wooddin, Reid, Smeltz & Just as All Whites World Cup goal scorers!

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The All Whites will play no further part at the 2026 FIFA World Cup - needing a win in their final pool game they have been humbled 5-1 by Belgium, and denied access to the Round of 32.

So let the review begin! While the gulf in quality was evident against the Red Devils, there is so much to be proud of from a kiwi point of view. Goran, Iffy & Oli look at the standout performers across the entire campaign for New Zealand: Finn Surman, Marko Stamenic & Elijah Just. With 3 goals to his name, where on earth will Eli wind up?! Is he destined for the Premier League, or is there another top European competition that is better suited to his skills?

Having claimed just a solitary point in the group phase, ultimately what went wrong for the All Whites? How did they let leads slip - twice against Iran, once against Egypt? What part did injuries or a lack of fitness play... and did head coach Darren Bazeley get his team selection (and subsequent substitutions) right or wrong?

Who were the unlucky members of the squad to see little, or no gametime? Did Lachie Bayliss have the skills required, or was Kosta Barbarouses incredibly unfortunate not to see minutes given his history with missing selection for the 2010 World Cup, and his red card in the 2022 playoff?

There is SO MUCH to discuss, debate, dissect... and The Unused Subs do it all for your viewing pleasure! Don't forget to subscribe, and tell your kiwi football mates about us!

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The All Whites final group stage game at the FIFA World Cup is against Belgium at BC Place Vancouver, and for both teams it's a must-win match.

The Red Devils are stacked with talent: Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku... the list goes on. But New Zealand have shown across the first two matchdays that they are capable of footing it with the best in the world. How will they fare against a Top 10 nation in the FIFA World Rankings? Will a strong team effort from the kiwis overcome a side seemingly reliant on individual efforts?

Goran, Iffy & Oli preview the action and identify key areas where the All Whites will likely be stretched. Will Darren Bazeley change his starting side, or simply go to his subs bench earlier to be more proactive?

And most importantly: WHO WILL WIN?

A first win for NZ, and progression out of the group are in the offing. Come on you All Whites!

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