Soccer: Vicelich confident NZ can advance

Ivan Vicelich celebrates NZ's entry into the 2010 World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's most experienced soccer international is excited with the All Whites' World Cup draw and the challenge it gives in their chase for a coveted place in post-pool play.

Ivan Vicelich, in Abu Dhabi to lead Auckland City in their Fifa Club World Cup clash with Dubai-based Al Ahli on Wednesday night, said he is looking forward to playing Italy, the current world champions, again.

"Because we have played them before, and did quite well, it will be a bit of a help but by the time we play them again it will be a year on from that last game," he said.

"We just have to focus on again preparing well. We can at least take some confidence from that game, in which we led them three times, into the World Cup.

"Given the improvement I have seen in the All Whites over the past decade, I don't see any reason why we can't get through to the second round."

Vicelich agreed that while the matches against Paraguay and Slovakia will give the All Whites their best chance of a result, he is just looking forward to the challenge as a whole.

The All Whites will open their campaign at the Royal Bafoking Stadium in Rustenburg where they played Spain and South Africa at this year's World Cup before playing Italy in Nelspruit.

Their final pool match against Paraguay in Polokwane on July 25 holds special significance for Vicelich. It will be 15 years to the day since he made his full international debut against Uruguay.

Asked what he knew about Slovakia after his long playing career in Holland, Vicelich replied: "Not a hell of a lot." Of Paraguay, he said he expected them to be very similar to other South American teams.