Michael Woud, the 27-year-old goalkeeper for Auckland FC, has postponed his wedding originally scheduled during the World Cup finals from June 11 to July 19 after being selected in New Zealand's 26-man squad as the third-choice goalkeeper [1, 2, 3].
Coach Darren Bazeley named Woud as third behind Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen in the New Zealand squad. Woud said, "I think my role is quite clear. Being the number three goalkeeper and being a support for the other goalkeepers and if I was called upon, to do my best" [2]. He has six international caps before this selection [1, 2, 3].
Woud's fiancée, Zana Renton, supported his decision to delay their wedding, understanding the importance of the World Cup that occurs only every four years. Woud said, "My fiancée was really supportive about it. It's not a bad thing to cancel your wedding for – it only happens every four years" [1].
Earlier this year in January, Woud had lost his starting goalkeeper spot at Auckland FC due to a dip in form but was reinstated after goalkeeper Oliver Sail suffered a season-ending knee injury [1, 2, 3]. Woud then played a key role in Auckland FC's first-ever A-League championship win, saving a penalty in the playoffs and keeping a clean sheet in the Grand Final on May 21 in a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC [1, 2, 3].
New Zealand enters the expanded 48-team World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. They are placed in Group G with Iran, Egypt, and Belgium [1, 2, 3].
Woud expects to mainly provide support to the first two goalkeepers while staying ready to step in if needed [1, 2, 3]. The postponed wedding coincides with New Zealand's group matches scheduled between June 11 and July 19 [1, 2, 3].
