NZS: All Whites Head Coach Mick Waitt has named the All Whites starting eleven to take on Iran in the AFC/OFC Challenge match on Monday morning New Zealand time. Features of the side are debut internationals for Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead and a positional change for the new skipper as Mick Waitt plots a course for the 2004 Olympics and the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Ryan Nelsen will captain the new-look side from midfield, with Ivan Vicelich moving to the centre of defence alongside the recalled Che Bunce. Mick Waitt believes the move may suit both players. “We wanted to have a look at Ryan playing in midfield, which is something he has not done for the All Whites for a while and we believe that Ivan has the necessary qualities to fill a hole left by Danny Hay at the back.”
There are full international debuts for Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead who are both eligible for the Olympic squad. Lochhead will start the match at left back allowing Gerard Davis to revert to his more favoured right-sided defensive role. Assistant Coach Ricki Herbert is impressed with both players. “Tony and Leo have settled well to the National Team environment. Having recently been a part of the Under 22 Development Team to play against Japan, this match in Iran provides both with a wonderful opportunity to develop further.”
In another pointer to future development, the substitutes bench has a further four players eligible for the 2004 Olympic (U23) campaign in Glenn Moss, Rupesh Puna, Allan Pearce and David Mulligan, something Mick Waitt is excited about. “This game heralds the start of an exciting new era for the All Whites with a focus very much on the future. We have a number of new players being given an opportunity to experience international football in front of a huge crowd and against quality opposition.”
Mark Paston is also given the chance to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper in his first international appearance for a number of years. Paston recently signed for Bradford City in the English first division, impressing with a number of man-of-the-match performances. Mick Waitt believes Paston can make the position his own for years to come. “Marks performances at Bradford have been very exciting for myself and Ricki. We have had very good reports from the coaching staff at Bradford and at just 26 years of age, he gives us cause for optimism looking ahead.”
In yet another of the many stories surrounding this AFC/OFC Challenge Cup match, Che Bunce returns at centre back after a long injury lay-off. Bunce has not played for New Zealand since 2000, when he suffered a serious back injury that required surgery and long-term rehab. His comeback has included a spell with Drogheda in Ireland before a recent move to Randers FC in Denmark. “Che’s return from injury is pleasing for us and this game gives us the opportunity to check his form, fitness and progress since the injury,” said Waitt.
Iran and New Zealand have met just twice in the past. The first was in 1973 when the spoils were shared in a 0-0 draw in Auckland, while the second was five years later in Korea Republic, with Iran winning the 1978 President’s Cup match 2-1.
Mark Paston Bradford (England) Goalkeeper
Gerard Davis Tampere United (Finland) Defender
Che Bunce Randers (Denmark) Defender
Ivan Vicelich Roda JC (Holland) Defender
Tony Lochhead + Santa Barbara (USA) Defender
Duncan Oughton Columbus Crew (USA) Midfielder
Simon Elliott LA Galaxy (USA) Midfielder
Ryan Nelsen DC United (USA) Midfielder
Aaran Lines Ruch Chorzow (Poland) Midfielder/Forward
Noah Hickey Tampere United (Finland) Midfielder/Forward
Leo Bertos + Rochdale (England)) Midfielder/Forward
Substitutes
Christian Bouckenooghe Roeselare (Belgium) Forward
David Mulligan + Barnsley (England) Defender
Glen Collins Football Kingz (NZ) Defender
MichaelWilson Stanford University (USA) Midfielder
Rupesh Puna + Caversham (NZ) Defender
Allan Pearce + Lincoln City (England)) Forward
Glen Moss + Sydney Olympic (Australia) Goalkeeper
Mick Waitt Head Coach
Ricki Herbert Assistant Coach
Stephen Williamson Team Manager
Roland Jefferies Team Physio
John Lythe Sports Science
Celeste Geertsema Team Doctor
+ Denotes available for NZ Olympic (U23) squad.
Match Details (New Zealand time)
Monday 13th October
NZ V Iran
Azadi Stadium
Tehran
1.35am KO
Match Details (Local/Iran time)
Sunday 12 October
NZ V Iran
Azadi Stadium
Tehran
3:35pm KO