Finn Surman – 7
Imposing and authoritative. Produced a crucial block to deny Finland a certain goal on the hour-mark.
Tyler Bindon – 7
A mainly assured display to largely shackle the Finnish front-line.
Francis de Vries – 5
A difficult night. Lost Joel Pohjanpalo at set-piece time for Finland’s opener and couldn’t provide his trademark attacking delivery from the left. Withdrawn with injury just before half-time.
Ryan Thomas – 7
Provided his usual touch of class at the base of midfield, effortlessly linking play. Shows how much he’s been missed every time he plays.
Marko Stamenic – 8
Elegant, without ever shirking the midfield battles. Accurate and intelligent with his passing over short and long distances and tireless without the ball. Captain on the night, and led by example.
Ben Old – 7
Play didn’t really run his way in the first half but a switch to the right saw him become far more influential after half-time. Glides across the grass and needs to be in possession more often.
Eli Just – 7
Came in with confidence after impressive recent outings at club level, and always looked to get involved, increasingly so as the night progressed. Shot straight at the goalkeeper with his best opportunity.
Callum McCowatt – 6
Well-marshalled by the Finnish defence, forcing him onto the periphery of the game. Replaced at half-time.
Ben Waine – 6
Toiled manfully at the point of New Zealand’s arrow, but restricted to a couple of half chances.
James McGarry (on for de Vries after 44’) – 6
Comfortable on defence, with energetic forays into the front-third. Pulled his best chance wide from long-range.
Jesse Randall (on for McCowatt at half-time) – 7
Injected the vigour which has marked his A-League season and came close to equalizing from a narrow angle after clever footwork in the box.
Lachlan Bayliss (on for Thomas after 64’) – 6
Gave his all on All Whites debut. Curled a shot wide late on but lost his man for Finland’s second goal.
Callan Elliot (on for Payne after 64’) – 6
A solid showing to reinforce his claims for a World Cup spot.
Kosta Barbarouses (on for Waine after 64’) – 6
Added impetus and nicked possession to set up Old for a half-chance.
Joe Bell (on for Stamenic after 79’) – no rating
Logan Rogerson (on for Just after 79’) – no rating
Andre de Jong (on for Old after 79’) – no rating
