New Zealand Soccer's European shopping list continues to grow with yesterday's confirmation that the national side will play last year's World Cup quarter-finalists Ukraine in Kiev on June 7.
Matches against Wales on May 26 and Ukraine will bookend a three-match northern tour with a third match, planned
for June 3, yet to be confirmed.
The games will play a vital part in Ricki Herbert's build-up for Oceania World Cup qualifiers later in the year and follow a solid showing - including a first win for the All Whites on European soil - last year.
Coach Herbert is not shying away from what promises to be a tough schedule.
"All matches we have planned this year are against teams ranked way higher than us. That is no different to what we did last year," he said. "But I wouldn't want it any other way."
Herbert will use the matches - and those this month against Costa Rica, in San Jose on March 24, and Venezuela, at a venue to be confirmed, on March 28 - as key parts of his World Cup preparations.
He is expected to name a 20-strong squad for the Central/South American games this week and his 25-man Cup squad before the European tour.
With all but the match against Wales falling in Fifa windows, Herbert expects to be able to call on all players on his Cup wish list.
"The game against Ukraine will be a big one," said Herbert. "You don't get to be No 11 in the world if you are not pretty good. They will be tough and strong but it is the kind of game we need if we are to get ready for the World Cup games."
Although Herbert is unsure which country will be their third opponent on their European tour, it appears those not scheduled to play on June 3 include Austria, Malta, Cyprus and England.
"Hopefully we can get a third game as it would be in the Fifa window which would give us another opportunity to play our best players," said Herbert.
"Playing five matches like those we have planned will give us the chance to get the consistency we want."
