Wellington, Dec 10 (DPA) World Cup outsiders New Zealand have turned down an all-expenses-paid invitation to go to China in March because the Chinese do not play the style of game they will meet in South Africa.
“From the opposition we have drawn, playing a game against China doesn’t make any sense,” New Zealand Football chief executive Michael Glading told Wellington’s Dominion Post.
New Zealand will meet Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay in Group F matches beginning on June 16, with official opportunities for warm-up matches limited to one or two days in early March and an extended window for the lead-up to the finals from May 23.
Coach Ricki Herbert is looking for friendlies against European and South American teams to prepare his All Whites for their first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1982.
Germany, Mexico and Slovenia have been identified as possible opponents for warm up games.
Assistant coach Brian Turner, who went to the draw in South Africa in place of Herbert, detained by his Wellington Phoenix club responsibilities at home, returned Wednesday night.
Glading said they would discuss the options over the next few days and try to firm up arrangements.
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