On Monday, October 14, 2024, New Zealand‘s national football team, the All Whites, go head-to-head with Malaysia in an international friendly match at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. This game comes after the All Whites kicked off their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Tahiti in Vanuatu.
The match, set to kick off at 7pm NZT, is expected to be a significant test for the All Whites as they prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Samoa and Vanuatu. Coach Darren Bazeley is looking to maintain the team’s momentum and assess different player combinations and strategies.
The New Zealand squad includes notable players such as goalkeepers Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, and Oli Sail; defenders like Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, and Tommy Smith; midfielders including Matthew Garbett, Ben Old, and Cam Howieson; and forwards like Kosta Barbarouses, Elijah Just, and Chris Wood.
Malaysia, despite missing key players like captain Dion Cools and forward Faisal Halim, is in good form after three successive friendly wins. They recently drew 1-1 against Auckland FC in a behind-closed-doors friendly, which has boosted their confidence. Malaysia’s squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of naturalised and heritage players.
The last time these two teams met was in 2006 at the same venue, where New Zealand secured a 2-1 win. Given Malaysia’s recent performances, including a 10-0 victory over Papua New Guinea last year, the All Whites are cautioned not to underestimate their opponents.
Fans can follow the match through live blog updates on RNZ Sport and live streaming options available through various platforms.
