Two teams desperate to prove to themselves more than each other that there is hope in the future of their football. Iran 2-1 New Zealand
Fresh Look To All Whites For Iran Match There are 6 new faces from the 23-man squad that travelled to the Confederations Cup in France, with Head Coach Mick Waitt looking to the future. “This match signals a new era for the All Whites as we plan for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying competition and next years Athens Olympic qualifying tournament. Whilst the door isn’t completely closed at this point, there are a number of players who have served the game with great honour and commitment over many years who have made way on this occasion for younger players. Finding the right mix of experience and the need to provide international experience to the younger players is never easy but I believe we have gathered together an exciting squad for what will be a difficult challenge in Teheran.” That eye to the future is indicated in the selection of 6 players eligible for selection to the Olympic (U/23) team next season (plus a further 2 not considered through injury). Further to that, there are 4 selected at senior level for the first time (Rupesh Puna, Glen Moss, Allan Pearce and Tony Lochhead). Ryan Nelsen will captain the side but not for the first time. The former NZ Olympic Captain wore the armband against Colombia in the recent Confederations Cup when Chris Zoricich was ruled out with injury. Waitt says Nelsen is poised to lead the All Whites for some time. “Ryan is a natural leader, as evidenced with the Olympic Squad in 2000 and his recent appointment to the role with DC United in the MLS. His stature and playing ability make him the obvious choice to lead this team into a new era.” Aaran Lines Ruch Chorzow (Poland) Midfield Allan Pearce + Lincoln City (England)) Forward Chris Killen + Oldham Athletic (England) Forward Christian Bouckenooghe Roeselare (Belgium) Forward Che Bunce Randers (Denmark) Defender David Mulligan + Barnsley (England) Defender Duncan Oughton Columbus Crew (USA) Defender Gerard Davis Tampere United (Finland) Defender Glen Collins Football Kingz (NZ) Defender Glen Moss + Sydney Olympic (Australia) Goalkeeper Ivan Vicelich Roda JC (Holland) Defender Mark Paston Bradford (England) Goalkeeper MichaelWilson Stanford University (USA) Midfielder Noah Hickey Tampere United (Finland) Midfielder Rupesh Puna + Caversham (NZ) Defender Ryan Nelsen DC United (USA) Defender Simon Elliott LA Galaxy (USA) Midfielder Tony Lochhead + Santa Barbara (USA) Defender The following players were not considered due to injury: Brent Fisher+, Shane Smeltz+, Raffaele de Gregorio. + Eligible for NZ Olympic squad 2004 Crowdie.
I don't know why you say that. I don't know enough about NZ but Iran has been struggling lately. We lost to Iraq in LG cup!!!!!!! but that could have been a token or good jesture what does the winner qualify for, anything? like Confederation cup?
Where is the game being played? If in Iran, I go with the hometeam. If in NZ, it could go either way.
this is the Azadi stadium where the game will be played. In the past, it's fit up to 123,000 but it won't be near that crowded for this upcoming game. http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/middle_east/iran/tehran_azadi.jpg
Iran fought out a hard game against Ireland to win 1-0 (although Ireland had already beaten Iran 2-0 in Dublin) so they will certainly be no push overs. The All Whites squad looks very young and I believe that the experience of the Iranian team will show through here. Crowdie.
Crowdie, Do you know why NZ agreed to a single game? It was originally scheduled to be a two legged match.