Football: Challenge big for NZ - Vicelich

Vicelich emphasises the tournament has benefits that stretch far beyond the next few weeks in Russia. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand faces an extremely steep - though not impossible - challenge at the upcoming Fifa Confederations Cup.

That's the view of former All White Ivan Vicelich, the only player to take part in each of New Zealand's three previous Cup campaigns.

Vicelich was a 22-year-old in Mexico in 1999, when New Zealand competed at a senior Fifa tournament for the first time since 1982.

He was also part of Mick Waitt's squad that qualified for the 2003 event, with a famous victory over the Socceroos, then six years later Vicelich was coaxed out of retirement by Ricki Herbert to anchor the team's defence in South Africa.

He's hopeful, but pragmatic about the prospects for Anthony Hudson's side.

"It's incredibly tough," Vicelich said. "It's not the World Cup but the standard is so high and they are all top teams. We have to be realistic.

"The All Whites will need everyone playing and performing at their best level, otherwise it will be very difficult."

Vicelich is also concerned about the absence of injured West Ham defender Winston Reid.

"He brings so much and you can't replace that," Vicelich said. "So that's unfortunate. But it is an opportunity for someone else and the back three has done well lately."

Vicelich emphasises the tournament has benefits that stretch far beyond the next few weeks in Russia.

"It's a great opportunity, with the warm-up games and all the time together," he said. "It's a vital time, to build camaraderie and mould the tactics."

New Zealand at the Confederations Cup

1999 (Mexico): v United States 1-2, v Germany 0-2, v Brazil 0-2.
2003 (France): v Japan 1-3, v Colombia 1-2, v France 0-5.
2009 (South Africa): v Spain 0-5, v South Africa 0-2, v Iraq 0-0.