Soccer: All Whites brace for world champions

Ivan Vicelich

A strong team spirit is creating an "extra player" on the field for the All Whites as they ready themselves to face Brazil, experienced defender kiwi Ivan Vicelich said today.

The New Zealanders have produced an impressive set of results on their European tour in the lead-up to their glamour fixture against the world champions in Switzerland early on Monday morning (NZ time).

A first-up 0-2 loss to Hungary was followed by a 3-1 victory over Georgia and a 1-1 draw with Estonia.

Vicelich, who last appeared for the All Whites in 2004, missed the internationals this year against Malaysia and Chile because of commitments with Dutch club Roda JC.

But he has played every minute on tour so far.

He said he noticed the spirit in the Ricki Herbert-coached squad the first day he joined up with them.

"We've had good results and the professionalism of the whole squad is looking very good for the future," he said.

"There's the extra man created by the team spirit, players pulling together and fighting."

Vicelich, who recently transferred to another Dutch first division side, RKC Waalwijk, said the progress the All Whites had made was one of the pleasing aspects of their fortnight together so far.

He had felt beforehand that they had a chance of getting a result against all three of their European opponents, despite being ranked below them.

The good start against Hungary, when they went into the break at 0-0 and might have been up 1-0, had confirmed that.

"Okay, we ended up losing that game, but there was a lot of positive aspects to come out and we showed that in the next two games," he said.

"It's very good to see we can follow through and get good results and work on what we did well in the first game."

Vicelich knows that Brazil, seeking a record-extending sixth title when the World Cup starts in Germany next week, will be a different challenge.

Having operated in the anchor role in front of the back four, he looks set to mark world player of the year Ronaldinho in Geneva.

"I think he might be a bit worried about me," Vicelich quipped.

"It's going to be great experience for the whole team. Brazil are obviously hot favourites for the World Cup.

"We've had a good build up to the game. Hopefully, we can continue with what we've been doing and just enjoy the atmosphere and the chance to play against the world No 1."

He wasn't sure what line up the Brazilians would start with, but said there wasn't much difference in quality anyway between their top 11 and the rest of their squad.

Vicelich is one of a handful of survivors from the last time the two nations met, in the Confederations Cup in Mexico in 1999.

He hasn't forgotten the way the match ended, with Ronaldinho's late second goal in Brazil's 2-0 win.

"It was a free kick into the top corner -- very nice."

- NZPA