Asia switch would have long-term benefits

Alam Khan

• Last Updated: November 14. 2009 9:13PM UAE / November 14. 2009 5:13PM GMT

With Australia enjoying the benefits since becoming part of the Asian Football Confederation, Ryan Nelsen said New Zealand should make a similar move to help them challenge their rivals in the long term.

The All Whites qualified for only their second World Cup finals when they beat Bahrain yesterday, but their captain wants his nation to be strong enough to compete time and time again and he believes the best way of doing this is to follow their neighbours Australia and take on the best of Asia.

A switch would further damage the Oceania Football Confederation, whose champions play off against the fifth-best team in Asia for a place at the World Cup.

New Zealand defeated Bahrain this time, but Nelsen said his side do not want people to accuse them of having an easy ride.

“People always say you only had to play six games to get to this position, but we don’t want that,” he said. “It’s not a situation we like and we would rather be in Asia and play 20 games like Bahrain have. The way we look at it is that we have competed with Bahrain, who also have unlimited resources.

“It shows we are right up there as well and I think New Zealand in the long term would like to be involved with Asia.

“I definitely think it’s 100 per cent better for us. How many countries in Asia are there of the same quality and how much would it benefit us playing against that standard regularly?

“Look at Australia since the move and I am sure they have got stronger as a team by facing major teams and more competitive matches. It’s a positive thing for our football in the long term. I think it’s what you need to maintain your level and keep on challenging.”

akhan@thenational.ae