AUCKLAND – With their places in Beijing ratified by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), the Oly-Whites and Football Ferns now face a more exciting wait to find out who they will be playing.

The official draw takes place in Beijing on April 20 for both the 16 team men’s 12-team women’s football tournaments.

Having sealed qualification in early March, both Oly-Whites (U-23) coach Stu Jacobs and Football Ferns coach John Herdman know that the make-up of groups has a large bearing on the two Kiwi teams’ chances.

“It’s a wait full with anticipation really. Knowing you’ve sealed your spot, the draw becomes crucial to how far you go in the tournament,” Herdman said.

“With ours being a 12 team tournament you’re dealing with the top nations – the best of the best. We’re really hoping we draw a team like China who we know really well.”

Stu Jacobs was equally enthusiastic about discovering who his U-23 side would be facing at the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing.

“It’s always exciting to find out who you’re playing, although they’re all high calibre sides,” Jacobs said.

Story and photograph courtesy NZF Media…

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