Soccer: Roque II set to be a hit

Paraguay have made a promise their best side will come to New Zealand for their expected match on October 12.

New Zealand Football have yet to confirm the fixture, saying Paraguay first have to sew up a game against Australia, but Paraguay football president Juan Angel Napout says they are looking forward to a re-match between the two teams that produced a 0-0 draw in the World Cup.

It was a historic result for both countries - Paraguay went through to the next round for the first time and New Zealand emerged undefeated in their World Cup campaign.

"As far as I am concerned, the match is on," Napout said. "The coach considers it very important to play these two matches in preparation for the Copa America next year.

"He was very enthusiastic about playing New Zealand again. The game against New Zealand was a particularly tough one for us during the World Cup.

"The travel is always difficult and that is why we wanted two dates. For example, in September we are playing Japan and China.

"To go to New Zealand or Australia for just one match is very complicated. The costs are immense because the players have to fly business class."

That rather shores up NZF's contention the match is contingent on one thing: Australia playing Paraguay in Australia three days earlier.

The Australian federation are confident of signing this off early next week.

One of the stipulations of the deal with New Zealand is Paraguay send out their best side and the All Whites are also expected to assemble close to their World Cup squad.

The game could be billed as Roque II - the Return of the Handsome One. Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, Paraguay's best-known player, is expected to play against former Blackburn team-mate Ryan Nelsen.

It has taken considerable effort from NZF to get the game against the world's 16th-ranked side across the line. Just last weekend they walked away from the deal, saying the financial risk was too great, but Paraguay softened their stance and terms have now been agreed.

"The only way it could fall over now is if Australia and Paraguay weren't able to conclude their deal," NZF chief executive Michael Glading said. "We are getting positive noises from across the Tasman and we hope to have confirmation early next week."

Paraguay's game against Australia on October 9 is crucial because it allows NZF to share costs with Australia. Football Federation Australia will pick up a larger portion of the costs because they have the more attractive Saturday fixture.

A venue has yet to be decided for the match here. Four cities have expressed interest - Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch - and a decision will be made largely with the bottom line in mind.

Glading estimated a crowd of between 22,000 and 24,000 would allow them to break even and warned ticket prices would be higher than previously - perhaps around $50. The afterglow of the World Cup should ensure a healthy crowd, as well as both sides putting out their top teams, but Kiwis haven't traditionally come out in force for friendly games.

Wellington has proven to be New Zealand's premium football venue but there is a feeling games need to be spread around the country.

Auckland has its challenges because North Harbour's capacity is too small (25,000) and NZF are contracted to play All Whites games in Auckland at Albany. Eden Park's redevelopment is expected to be finished by then and they are desperate to host big games of any code but it would need approval from North Harbour and the pair haven't always been the cosiest of bedfellows.

NZF believe they are taking something of a punt. They know they need to maintain momentum and will fork out more than $400,000 to assemble and accommodate both teams, hire a venue and meet Paraguay's match fee of around US$100,000.

But the game will also give them an indication of whether they can afford to repeat the exercise in the future.

NZF would like to host one friendly game of this standing every year but won't if this fixture doesn't work.

It is a lot cheaper and easier to play away games, particularly now the All Whites are ranked close to the world's top 50 and are reasonably attractive opposition. Home teams pick up most of the costs.