Soccer: Olyroos spend up on the road to Sydney Olympics

By Terry Maddaford

The big-spending Australians go on show at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night with their Olympic soccer hopefuls determined to stretch an already-healthy winning streak.

While New Zealand Soccer continues to struggle in the search for funds and international exposure for the under-23 side, money appears to be no object for the Australians in their long, meticulously planned Olympic campaign.

In Auckland for over a week and staying at the very best hotel, the Olyroos meet the Ricki Herbert-Ron Armstrong-coached Kiwis tomorrow night and again in Christchurch on Saturday.

With their place in the Olympic tournament already guaranteed as hosts, the Australian players could be excused for back-pedalling.

"Not so," said head coach Raul Blanco. "On this trip we have 19 players and all are pressing for selection in the final Olympic squad."

Blanco, heading the eight-strong staff accompanying the team, said there would be some tough decisions before the squad members were named.

"All the players we have here are based in Australia. There are another 20 in Europe. All will be chasing a place in that final squad of 15 to which we can add three over-age players."

While he has yet to settle on those extra players, Blanco did admit new Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is high on his list.

"We will have some tough decisions. Everyone is very keen. There are great expectations we can get a medal but unlike the teams chasing a place through the qualifying tournaments, we don't have 10 tough games to help us prepare.

"We will have to play a lot friendlies."

The Australians have already spent $2 million in three years. They will spend another $1 million before the first ball is kicked at the Olympics.

To suggestions that the New Zealanders will be easybeats for his side, Blanco said: "We are never too good for New Zealand. You are in the Confederations Cup, Australia are not. The last time we played each other at under-17 level New Zealand won."