Michael McGlinchey

Club: Wellington Phoenix (New Zealand)

A ghost on the field in the first half of the Russia game. Normally so impactful in the A- League where he directs play for the Phoenix, he disappeared into the Saint Petersburg air. Much better in the Mexico match, where he slipped many a through ball to the ever-threatening Chris Wood, who could have had a bag. Against Portugal he was taken off in the first half without any obvious injury. Replaced by the more defensive-minded Bill Tuiloma. McGlinchey could have been better overall and never put together a complete performance.

Score 6/10

 

Kosta Barbarouses

Club: Melbourne Victory (Australia)

The differences between the central role Michael McGlinchey played and Barbarouses’ wide playmaker role was evident. The latter was encouraged to push forward with the ball and take the game to the opposition, while the other was told to hold the fort while the All Whites were in possession. Unfortunately, Barbarouses frequently made the wrong decisions on the ball, making passes look harder than they needed to be and was often caught by a resilient Russia and Portugal (when he was subbed on) defence.

Score 5.5/10

 

Ryan Thomas

Club: PEC Zwolle (Netherlands)

What a player this kid is turning out to be. The All Whites' best midfielder without question against Russia. He tracked back to make vital tackles on advancing Russian troops before they made it to New Zealand’s defensive third. In the other two matches, Thomas won fouls, set up attacking moves and, when everything else failed, took it upon himself to shoot with venom and even rattled the woodwork. He was compared to Aaron Mooy across social media platforms throughout the group stage. Player of the tournament for the All Whites.

Score 7/10