The national U-23 team booked its ticket to London with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fiji in the final of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier last Sunday in Taupo but there is a strong possibility that many members of that triumphant squad will not make it to London.
Several of New Zealand’s eligible overseas-based professionals did not take part in proceedings but are sure to be involved come July 25, when the first ball at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament is kicked.
The likes of full All Whites Marco Rojas, Kosta Barbarouses, Chris Wood and Tommy Smith all meet the age criteria but could not make it to Taupo while Emblen will also have access to the services of three over-age players in London.
Young talent such as Blackburn Rovers’ Tim Payne and Germany-based goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic could also come into the mix, meaning competition for a place in the Olympic squad will be fierce to say the least.
Emblen is aware settling on a final line-up will not be easy but says the decisions will be made in a considerate fashion.
“It was tough enough picking 11 players to play in the final – there were probably some disappointed players who didn’t step onto the pitch,” the Englishman says.
“It’s difficult because it affects people’s lives and I’m wary of that. I had to do the same before the qualifying group was named, I phoned eight or nine players who were probably expecting to be in the squad but didn’t make it. Those sensitive decisions will be made sensitively in my opinion and you have to tell those players in a decent manner before anybody else knows.
“They’re decisions that have to be made because you can’t pick everbody. The boys that have done well in Taupo will hopefully move on to the Olympics.”
Several of the qualifying heroes will be confident of making it to London after performing strongly in Taupo and Emblen says there were some stand-outs.
“With people like Adam McGeorge and Alex Feneridis, you always know what they’re going to give you. They’re really honest, hard-working players who plug gaps and make it easy for some of their team mates with their endeavour and work rate,” he says.
“I thought they stood up well and James Musa was also excellent. He scored from a couple of set pieces and and soldiered through in the final after getting a dead leg after about 30 minutes. He did well to battle on and keep playing in the game.
“There’s probably some boys who would’ve liked to have played a bit better and we would’ve liked to have played more football. But we now have a few months to put that right and hopefully get a good brand of football going ahead of the Olympic Games.”

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