Michael Glading. Photo / Richard Robinson
Scrub out Colombia and Venezuela. Pencil in fellow World Cup finalists Honduras - although keep an eraser handy.
That's the latest call on prospective opponents for the All Whites in a late-May home farewell before the World Cup in South Africa.
The odds have lengthened slightly on the game taking
place and New Zealand Football may seek a third European opponent during their Austrian World Cup camp instead.
"It was 50/50 but it is more like 40/60 now," said NZF chief executive Michael Glading yesterday.
"This is a bit like fishing though - you put your line out and see who bites. We have given ourselves two more weeks. If we haven't found an opponent to play in New Zealand by then, it will be time to move on."
National coach Ricki Herbert wants to play a South American team, in either Auckland or Wellington, to help prepare for their Group F match against Paraguay. The match is also regarded as important to "engage" the local audience.
Colombia, ranked 39, were the number one target because of their reasonable World Cup history and drawcard potential. But Colombia ruled themselves out this week because they are still without a manager - Eduardo Laura quit after they failed to qualify for South Africa.
Venezuela, ranked at 50, were also touted but are non-starters because their national league runs through May.
Central American Honduras, ranked at 37, have shown interest however. They are grouped with World Cup heavyweights Spain, Switzerland and Chile in South Africa. Their last World Cup finals appearance was in 1982, and their preparations include playing the United States in Los Angeles this weekend.
A right issue is foiling attempts to ensure the All Whites' European warm-up matches are televised by Sky. Serbia is set to be one opponent. The March 3 match against Mexico is almost certain to be televised here.
