Soccer: Urlovic in squad for Oceania final

By TERRY MADDAFORD

PAPEETE - Paul Urlovic has been tossed a lifeline ahead of tonight's Oceania Nations Cup soccer final against Australia in Papeete.

After being left out of the semifinal against the Solomon Islands, All Whites coach Ken Dugdale last night recalled Urlovic to the squad, claiming he had not been "sent packing" for the last game.

"We would have preferred to have all the substitutes on the bench for that match," Dugdale said.

"But the rules don't allow it."

Urlovic, who replaces defender Gerard Davis, started the first two games and could be the impact player this time.

The tension continues to build, with no suggestion of over-confidence from either camp.

Australian captain Paul Okon, who has just transferred to English premier club Middlesbrough and is reportedly worth $5 million on the transfer market, said: "We won't be underestimating New Zealand. This is our seventh game in a month - and the most important. Our last two performances, against the Solomons and Vanuatu, have been disappointing.

"Mentally, we have suffered after winning our first game by 17 goals.

"But we are expected to win. As professionals we think we will get the result we are looking for."

All Whites skipper Chris Jackson said the history of great rivalry between the sides will make the game "something special."

He said his side had stepped up as the Nations Cup had gone along. "Maybe there will be less blood and thunder of past encounters, but it will still be a tough, physical battle."

Asked if New Zealand would go out in a defensive frame of mind, Jackson said "Not at all."

Dugdale said he and assistant coach Mick Waitt felt much the same as they did when they won the trophy in Brisbane.

"We don't need to fear anyone. I've told the players they should go out and play like the champions they are.

"Confident? Yes. Over-confident? I don't believe we have ever put out a team that could claim that. Complacency is not part of the equation.

"The incentive of making the next Confederations Cup - whenever it is - is enough.

"We go out in every game whether it is Brazil, Germany, Vanuatu or Tahiti to show this is the way we play, knowing if we perform to our capabilities we will get the results.

"We don't fear any team but we respect them. The money does not come into it.

"The main incentive is to get hold of the trophy and win the right to represent Oceania."

The feeling here is it could well be Jackson who holds the silverware aloft tonight.

Qualifying for the Confederations Cup will bring a cash injection of $1 million.

All Whites: Jason Batty, Che Bunce, Scott Smith, Sean Douglas, Jonathan Perry, Gavin Wilkinson, Chris Jackson (captain), Simon Elliott, Mark Atkinson, Kris Bouckenooghe, Chris Killen. Substitutes: Ross Nicholson, Ivan Vicelich, Harry Ngata, Raf De Gregorio, Paul Urlovic.