Out-of-favour New Zealand international Alex Greive says he’s determined to earn back his place in the All Whites squad to get to a FIFA World Cup.
“Everybody dreams of playing for their country, and I’d love to get my way back into the team as I’ve probably had the best moments of my life and career in a New Zealand shirt, playing in front of friends and family,” he says.
Greive (25) is struggling to find his goalscoring form since joining League of Ireland side Bohemians, scoring twice in 12 appearances for the club.
Of New Zealand’s World Cup chances, Greive told the Irish Mirror: “Now that there’s an automatic qualifying spot from Oceania now, this is a real good opportunity to go to the next World Cup. Losing out on the last one in a play-off against Costa Rica was a tough one.
“We’re heavy favourites to qualify so if you can work your way in the team, there’s a good chance of playing at a World Cup.
“But it is up to me to improve my form at Bohs and start playing the best football of my career.”
Greive has won 14 caps for the All Whites, scoring twice.
Main photo: Alex Greive playing for the All Whites against Australia at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2022. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Greive was omitted from the New Zealand squad to play Tahiti on October 11 in the opening game of the OFC World Cup qualifiers and for an international friendly against Malaysia on October 14.
READ MORE: All Whites squad named for opening OFC World Cup qualifier match >>>>
New Zealand will play Vanuatu and Samoa in World Cup qualifying games in November.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday October 11, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Tahiti
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 3pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Monday October 14, 2024
International friendly
New Zealand v Malaysia
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 7pm
November
Game to be played on Friday November 15, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Vanuatu
FMG Stadium Waikato, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, 7.30pm
Game to be played on Monday November 18, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Samoa
Go Media Stadium, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, 7.30pm
This story was first published on October 8, 2024.
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