New Zealand forward and captain, Max Mata, talks about the team’s trust in head coach Danny Hay, earlier with the U-17 World Cup 2015 Chile side and former national team skipper. Slated to play two practice games against Brazil and England at Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, the former explained the benefits of facing tough opponents, ahead of Group B matches next month at D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. Excerpts from a chat at MFA:
Q: Teams prefer to tune up against equal opponents, you chose Brazil and England...?
For us, getting an opportunity to play against Brazil and England, leading into the World Cup here (at Mumbai Football Arena) is going to be an awesome experience. The harsh reality for us is that this is the (level of) opposition we will play when it counts (World Cup knockouts. We want to play teams who are really going to test us. It will show the character of each individual and as a team.
Q: NZ was a goal-scoring spree in Oceania zone u-17 qualifiers, will we see more goals in World Cup?
Goal-scoring side of our team is a positive for us. We are planning to continue that, but don’t expect the same outcome in the World Cup. When we do get our chances, we will finish (convert) them.
Q: NZ’s track record in U-17 is eight World Cup appearances and six in a row, as per records. Reason?
New Zealand football is starting to get more football-minded. Like-minded people are in control, so we have the best coaching staff. Danny Hay, ex All Whites (New Zealand) captain, is head coach. Two former captains, Chris Zorocick and Jason Batty are assistant coach and goalkeeping coach. The preparation is getting better and better. We are picking up things each time, so that we can get even better.
Q: Benefits of continuity for 2017 side, since Danny was in charge at U-17 World Cup 2015 Chile as head coach?
We trust Danny and what he says. He has seen this before, was in middle of it and has first-hand experience. He is not somebody in control who does not actually know what is going on. We can trust him 100 %.
Q: First impressions of match (D Y Patil stadium) and practice (MFA) stadiums?
Wonderful. The World Cup stadium (DYP) is looking amazing, the field is looking good. It is little bit different from New Zealand. The setup of the stadium is different from New Zealand, so is the climate. I don’t know how to explain, it is different.
Q: Any teammates playing outside NZ in any of the leagues, in Australia or elsewhere?
Three players played for Brisbane Roars (club) in Australia. Our central midfielder Oliver Duncan, goalkeeper Nicholas Milner and centre-back Emlyn Wellsmore.