Soccer: Cup chase starts for under-17s

After missing out on their bid to qualify for the men's Fifa Under-20 World Cup, the national under-17 side today begin their chase for a place in that World Cup in Nigeria in October.

The Steve Cain-coached New Zealanders play Vanuatu in the late game (3pm) at North Harbour Stadium this afternoon and New Caledonia on Wednesday before meeting Tahiti on Friday.

Tahiti, who won through to the Under-20 World Cup and play New Caledonia at 12.30pm today, are seen as the team most likely to upset the hosts at the Oceania tournament.