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Phoenix Rising: Wellington’s Academy Stars Lead All Whites to Historic Victory
TORONTO — New Zealand’s 1-0 triumph over African champions Ivory Coast on Sunday wasn’t just a watershed moment for the All Whites—it was a resounding endorsement of Wellington Phoenix’s player development system, with 12 of 23 squad members boasting ties to the A-League club.
The victory at BMO Field, secured through Eli Just’s 41st-minute strike, marked New Zealand’s most significant result since their 2010 World Cup campaign and showcased the fruits of Phoenix’s academy investment.
Wellington’s Defensive Wall
Six Phoenix products started against Ivory Coast, forming the backbone of Darren Bazeley’s tactical setup:
Key Contributions:
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Finn Surman (21): 9 clearances, 4 interceptions (Player of the Match)
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Liberato Cacace (23): 83% duel success at left-back
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Joe Bell (24): Midfield metronome (91% pass accuracy)
“These lads grew up playing together in Wellington’s system,” Bazeley noted post-match. “That chemistry shows in how they organize defensively.”
By The Numbers: Phoenix Influence
| Metric | Total | % of Squad |
|---|---|---|
| Players with Phoenix ties | 12 | 52% |
| Academy graduates | 9 | 39% |
| Minutes played by Phoenix products | 623 | 68% |
The defensive unit—featuring Surman and 20-year-old Tyler Bindon—limited Ivory Coast to just 0.8 expected goals despite facing 62% possession.
Tactical Breakdown
First Half Approach:
✅ Compact 4-4-2 block
✅ Selective pressing triggers
✅ Quick transitions to Just/Barbarouses
Second Half Adjustments:
🔹 Introduction of Alex Rufer (67′)
🔹 Shift to 5-3-2 for final 15 minutes
🔹 Surman’s goal-line clearance (70′)
Pathway to Prominence
Wellington Phoenix’s academy, established in 2017, has become New Zealand’s premier development pipeline:
Notable Graduates in Squad:
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Alex Paulsen (AFC Bournemouth)
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Ben Old (Ligue 2 interest)
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Ben Waine (Plymouth Argyle)
“Tonight proves our model works,” said Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill. “These boys represent Wellington’s footballing future.”
Up Next: Ukraine Test
The All Whites face Ukraine on June 11 in their second Canadian Shield match, where more Phoenix products are expected to feature.
