"AUKLAND, Oct 14 (SW) - The All Whites are set to play Iran home and away next year after the Middle Eastern country successfully defended their Asian Games title in Korea. Iran defeated Japan 2-1 in the tournament final after having earlier disposed of South Korea 5-3 on penalties in the semi finals. Oceania champions New Zealand will play Iran on a home and away basis with the matches tentatively scheduled for March/April 2003. The match is the second in a regular match up between Oceania and Asian champions, with Australia and Japan clashing in the first decider between the Confederations two years ago. The match raises obvious concerns with NZS however, with final confirmation of the matches yet to be given or sought. The current political situation in the Middle-East is top of mind for New Zealand Soccer. With some time yet before the games are scheduled, NZS will monitor the international situation closely and liaise with Government officials as to the stability of the region. NZS CEO Bill MacGowan issued this comment from Europe where he is planning for next years Confederations Cup: "Clearly this is not the ideal situation for NZS. It is not the fault of Iran but a simple issue of location, location, location and obviously Iran is not ideal in that sense. Like any responsible sporting organization our primary concern when on tour is the safety of our players and management, a prospective game in Iran will be no different in that sense. NZS must balance the needs of the players on the park and preparation for the Confederations Cup with other safety and political issues on this one. We will work with Oceania, Asia and the Iranian FA to find the best outcome for all parties. Until we have all the necessary information, we won’t be making any rash decisions either way."" I think this should be an easy win for us. I wish Australia would have won the Oceania Championship...
i know iran should win but don't underestimate new zealand. they put up quite a good fight in the last confederations cup. but i still think iran will win.
i thought that afc/ofc championship was gone for good after australia brought bunch of new faces from domestic league and japan replied with about 50% strength. now it came back with home/away basis? is this u-23 or A match? damn new zealand's gonna play the next cup confede cup as well?? can't imagine a match up like france vs new zealand.