Killen starts as holding midfield against Fiji

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – Striker Chris Killen will start in an unfamiliar holding midfield role when the All Whites begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Fiji in Honiara, Solomon Islands later today.

Chris Killen. www.photosport.co.nz

June 2, 2012

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – Striker Chris Killen will start in an unfamiliar holding midfield role when the All Whites begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Fiji in Honiara, Solomon Islands later today.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has opted to use Kosta Barbarouses and Marco Rojas either side of Shane Smeltz in a front three after impressing as a unit against El Salvador and Honduras recently, but has found room for Killen, who has scored 12 goals in his 40 A internationals, in a new role.

“I like the balance of Chris and Michael McGlinchey in midfield,” Herbert said. “He brings a physical presence to match what Fiji will try to do with quick counter attacking and looking to dominate aerially. He’ll fit well as a screen in front of the back three players.”

“He’s technically good, he’s good on the ball and has a good range of passing.
“Time may tell, but he may develop into someone who will be in and around that spot for the next couple of years.

Killen, 30, has played in deeper roles at club level since moving to China two seasons ago and was comfortable with the new challenge.

“I’ve played central defender before, and last season I played a striking role where I had to come back into midfield so it’s not too different than what I’m used to,” said the 30 year old, “as long as I’m playing I’m happy.”

Killen admits he may have to fight his striker’s instincts urge to push forward.

“Putting the reins on myself will be a big thing. I’m probably going to want to get in the box but Ricki has told me he just wants me to play that holding role and doesn’t want to me to get up and beyond the strikers. I’ll do the best I can and just try and stabilise things in midfield.”

Elsewhere, Tony Lochhead comes straight in on the left of midfield after missing the USA leg of the tour with Leo Bertos holds the right flank after coming off the bench early against Honduras.

The back three of Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund and captain Tommy Smith are unchanged from the victory over Honduras as is goalkeeper Mark Paston.
The match kicks off at 1pm New Zealand time and is streamed in New Zealand on www.oceaniafootball.com.

Group B rivals Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea kick off at 4pm (NZT) in today’s other match.

OFC Nations Cup / FIFA World Cup qualifying
New Zealand v Fiji
June 2, 12pm (1pm NZT)
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Referee: Isidore ASSIENE-AMBASSA [NCL]
Streamed online at www.oceaniafootball.com

New Zealand: 1-Mark PASTON (GK), 3-Tony LOCHHEAD, 4-Ben SIGMUND, 5-Tommy SMITH (captain), 7-Leo BERTOS, 8-Michael MCGLINCHEY, 9-Shane SMELTZ, 10-Chris KILLEN, 15-Ivan VICELICH, 17-Kosta BARBAROUSES, 11-Marco ROJAS.
Substitutes: 2-Tim MYERS, 6-Ian HOGG, 12-Glen MOSS (RGK), 13-Jake GLEESON (RGK), 14-Rory FALLON, 16-Jeremy BROCKIE, 18-Aaron CLAPHAM, 19-Michael BOXALL, 20-Chris WOOD, 21-Cameron HOWIESON, 22-Tim PAYNE , 23-Adam MCGEORGE.
Coach: Ricki HERBERT

Fiji (from): 1-Simione TAMANISAU (GK), 2-Avinesh SUWAMY, 3-Paulo POSIANO, 4-Samuela VULA, 5-Taniela WAQA, 6-Alvin SINGH, 9-Osea VAKATALESAU, 10-Alvin AVINESH, 11-Roy KRISHNA, 12-Remueru TEKIATE, 14-Ilaitia TUILAU, 15-Maciu DUNADAMU, 16-Samuela KAUTOGA, 17-Apisai SMITH, 18-Archie WATKINS, 19-Peni LESUBULAMAILEPANONI, 21-Ilisoni TUINAWAIVUVU, 22-Misaele DRAUNIBAKA, 23-Benaminio MATEINAQARA (GK)
Coach: Carlos BUZZETTI 

OFC Nations Cup / FIFA World Cup qualifying
1-10 June 2012
Lawson Tama Stadium
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Matches streamed online at www.oceaniafootball.com

New Zealand v Fiji
June 2, 12pm (1pm NZT)

New Zealand v PNG
June 4, 12pm (1pm NZT)

New Zealand v Solomon Islands
June 6, 3pm (4pm NZT)

Semi finals
June 8, 11am & 3pm (12pm & 4pm)

Final
June 10, 3pm (4pm)