KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has named 18-player men's and women's squads for next month's Beijing Olympics.
Their inclusion has seen the New Zealand games team grown to 163 athletes.
"With some squads as yet unnamed and qualification tournaments still to be contested, New Zealand is expecting its largest team Olympic Team ever," New Zealand Olympic selector Barry Maister said.
Oly-Whites coach Stu Jacobs said the inclusion of senior All Whites Chris Killen, Simon Elliot and Ryan Nelsen could be the boost his side need to progress into quarterfinals.
Blackburn Rovers captain Nelsen has been released by his club for the opening two matches at the games.
A full quota of three over-age players adds experience to an otherwise under-23 squad, with many graduating from Jacobs' 2007 under-20 World Cup squad.
"The focus for us from day one has been getting the over-age players we wanted and I guess by getting them we've got a big piece of the jigsaw in place," Jacobs said.
"We've got the best possible blend."
Steven Old, Jeremy Brockie and Daniel Ellensohn are also senior All Whites.
Michael Boxall, Cole Tinkler, Jack Pelter and Craig Henderson all have professional or collegiate experience.
"It's a good mix," Jacobs said, "but the thing that stands out is how desperate they all were to get to Beijing and now that we're on our way, how keen they are to go up a level."
Despite a tough group that feature Olympic hosts China, gold medal favourites Brazil and European dark horses Belgium, Jacobs indicated a growing confidence in his side.
"We've got a hell of a chance.
"We don't know what we're up against but we have to back ourselves against China and Belgium. If we start well and get a result in that first match we can create excitement and momentum.
"We've got kids who can turn hope into will and three senior players who can really instil that."
After ending a 16-year absence from the world stage at the 2007 World Cup in China, the Football Ferns head back there with their strongest squad in John Herdman's two-year tenure as coach.
Goalscoring midfielder Kirsty Yallop, who missed the World Cup through injury but played a major part in cup and Olympic qualifying, has been included in the team.
Fullback Marlies Oostdam and striker Rebecca Tegg have both recovered from shoulder injuries.
Last month's Peace Queen Cup in Korea saw the return of Sweden-based defender Rebecca Smith after injury and former Arsenal striker Amber Hearn from a three-year break.
"We've got players coming back from injury at the right time with Oostdam and Tegg back in for the first time since the World Cup and Rebecca Smith coming back at the Peace Queen Cup," Maister said.
Five teenagers in the squad and an average age of just 22 give the Football Ferns a youthful look, although Kristy Hill's selection is a belated present for her 29th birthday on Tuesday and reward for a fine debut in Korea.
With football beginning two days before the Olympic opening ceremony, the Football Ferns will be New Zealand's first Olympians in action when they meet Japan in Qinhuangdao on August 6.
"To have the chance to get off to a good start by getting a win against Japan and maybe inspiring the rest of the Olympic team is extra motivation," Herdman said.
The Football Ferns finish pool play with matches against world No 5 Norway on August 9 and world No 1 the United States on August 12.
WOMEN
Goalkeepers: Jenny Bindon (Waitakere City), Rachel Howard (TSV Crailsheim).
Defenders: Anna Green (Three Kings United), Abby Erceg (Western Springs), Kristy Hill (Three Kings United), Marlies Oostdam (Eastern Suburbs), Ria Percival (FC Indiana), Rebecca Smith (Sunnana SK).
Midfielders: Katie Hoyle (Lynn Avon United), Emily McColl (Cocoa Expos/Coastal Carolina University), Hayley Moorwood (Lynn Avon United), Ali Riley (Stanford University), Kirsty Yallop (Lynn Avon United).
Forwards: Amber Hearn (Lynn Avon United, Emma Kete (Lynn Avon United), Renee Leota (Western Springs FC), Merissa Smith (Three Kings United), Rebecca Tegg (Eastern Suburbs), Management: John Herdman (head coach), Tony Readings (assistant coach/technical analyst), Julie Hogg (manager), Simon Eaddy (goalkeeping coach), Helen Tunstall (sports scientist), Alysha Blackwell (physiotherapist), Mark Fulcher (doctor).
MEN
Goalkeepers: Liam Little (Caversham AFC/Otago United), Jacob Spoonley (Miramar Rangers)
Defenders: Michael Boxall (Santa Barbara University), Ian Hogg (Western Suburbs/Hawke's Bay United), Sam Jenkins (Western Suburbs/Hawke's Bay United), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Steven Old (Macarthur Rams), Jack Pelter (unattached), Aaron Scott (Melville/Waikato FC), Cole Tinkler (Miramar Rangers/Team Wellington).
Midfield: Jeremy Brockie (Miramar Rangers/Hawke's Bay United), Simon Elliott (unattached), Craig Henderson (Dartmouth College), Cole Peverley (Stop Out FC/Hawke's Bay United), Shaun van Rooyen (Western Suburbs/Waikato FC).
Forwards: Daniel Ellensohn (Western Suburbs/Team Wellington), Chris Killen (Celtic FC), Sam Messam (Napier City Rovers/Hawke's Bay United), Management: Stu Jacobs (head coach), Jonathan Gould (assistant coach/goalkeeper coach), Jim Hogg (manager), Andy Foskett (sports science), Justin Lopes (physiotherapist), Andy Smith (trainer), Jake Pearson (doctor).
- NZPA
