Nottingham Forest have multiple players out on international duty, and striker Chris Wood is one of those names.
The New Zealander was called up to represent his nation in the ‘Soccer Ashes’ as they face off against Australia in a two-legged friendly bout.
Chris Wood started the season strongly by scoring twice, and Wood showed that he is still one of the best finishers around.
New Zealand supporters were hoping he would showcase those talents against Australia, but their manager Darren Bazeley did something with Chris Wood that left them angry.
New Zealand fans react to Chris Wood substitution
New Zealand fans were left furious with their manager Darren Bazeley after he took off key attacking players, including Chris Wood.
With just 60 minutes played, the All Whites captain was taken off the pitch.
New Zealand were dominating proceedings until then, and would ultimately go on to lose 1-0 to Australia.
Fans across social media were quick to react with one saying, ‘Should not have subbed out Wood and Singh.’
Another fan reacted to the Wood change by saying, ‘What horrific subs completely lost us that game.’
After Chris Wood had left the field, one New Zealand supporter also said, ‘Oh p— off man why are we going defensive?’
Meanwhile another said, ‘All over them until Bazeley decided to park the bus’
The Nottingham Forest striker was causing all sorts of problems for the Socceroos, and a lot of the good attacking play was coming through Wood.
Wood had a great chance to put New Zealand 1-0 up in the first half but the Socceroos goalkeeper got a strong hand to it.
His performance even prompted some Australians to jokingly ask if they could have him.
One supporter suggested what he would trade for the forward saying, ‘I would trade three Aussies for one Chris Wood!’
Although Chris Wood playing just 60 minutes was a negative for New Zealand fans, Forest supporters will be happy he was not run into the ground after travelling a long distance.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be happy with New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley
New Zealand fans will no doubt have wanted to get one over Australia, but Nuno Espirito Santo will be delighted his star striker was subbed off early.
Of all the players on international duty, Chris Wood had one of the longest distances to travel, and coming out unscathed in the first game is a huge positive for Forest.
Last season, Forest had a heavy reliance on Wood’s goals, but with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Igor Jesus signed, they can lean on two other centre forwards.
However, having their star man play as few minutes as possible while away with New Zealand will be a major positive for the club.
New Zealand play Australia once again on Tuesday, 9 September in Auckland. Eyes will once again be on Wood and those at the City Ground will be hoping he comes off early once more.
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