KEY POINTS:
New Zealand and Fiji have both targeted tomorrow's final Oceania World Cup qualifying soccer match as a chance to build for the future.
There is little on the line in Lautoka, with unbeaten New Zealand already crowned Oceania Nations Cup champions and representatives in the World Cup playoff against the fifth-best Asian qualifier.
Both coaches have taken advantage of the opportunity naming young squads with many players set to make their international debuts.
"We have deliberately gone for a young side," said All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.
"There are two big events next year, the Confederations Cup and the home and away World Cup qualifiers, and this is the chance for some of these players to put their hands up."
The New Zealand strike force does not boast an international cap between them, with Wellington Phoenix duo Costa Barbarouses and Greg Draper named alongside Kris Bright of Norwegian club Kristiansund Ballklubb.
Other All Whites set to make their debut include New Zealand Olympic Games captain Aaron Scott, goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and midfielder Cole Peverley.
"We will get this game ticked off and then continue planning for 2009," Herbert said.
"This team was selected on the basis of the financial constraints we were well aware of. It is the chance for players who have played at under-20 and under-23 level to step up."
New Zealand were to fly out today and will not train in Fiji.
They planned a walk over Churchill Park on their way to the hotel from the airport.
Fijian Coach Carlos Buzzetti said his side are a blend of youth and experience and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.
"We have included a mix of experience and youth in our squad as we prepare for the future, but it is still a very competitive Fiji team," he said.
"It gives us a great opportunity to see how some of the young players have developed and whether they can perform at international level.
"It is important to build the players confidence for the future. We want to make sure we finish the campaign on a high note and do the country proud."
Fiji will have the services of Auckland City defender Salesh Kumar while Osea Vakatalesau and Peni Finau will be familiar to the players from the New Zealand Football Championship, having represented Manawatu last year.
"New Zealand still have a lot of experience in their squad and will be very organised tactically and very fit," Buzzetti said.
"For us though we will just concentrate on our own game and I am confident they can do the job."
The match is rescheduled from October last year when Fijian goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was denied a New Zealand entry visa because of a relation's alleged military connections.
The two countries became embroiled in a political debate, prompting world governing body FIFA to postpone and move the fixture from Auckland to Lautoka.
New Zealand defeated Fiji 2-0 when the sides last met in October 2007, with goals to Ivan Vicelich and Shane Smeltz securing the win.
- NZPA
