Football: All Whites confirm games against China and Thailand

Marco Rojas. Photo / Getty Images.

The All Whites will make their third trip to the Asian Confederation this year in November with matches confirmed against China and Thailand for the upcoming FIFA International Window.

After playing earlier internationals this year against Japan, South Africa and Uzbekistan; Anthony Hudson's side will complete their 2014 calendar year with tests against the 97th ranked Chinese side (12th in Asia) and a Thailand team currently sitting at 158 in the world (31st in Asia).

Hudson says the two games provide further opportunity for the new coach to imprint his philosophy on the side.

"To develop our system of play as we build towards qualification for the 2018 World Cup contact time is vital," Hudson said.

"Two games in the November window provide another extended opportunity to work with the players as we continue to embed our approach against teams who compete regularly in one of the toughest Confederations in world football."

New Zealand Football High Performance Director Fred de Jong says the November matches are the latest test for the All Whites as the match calendar grows as a result of the review of the 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.

"The results of the review were clear; the team must play as much as possible against good opposition and when you look at the schedule this year, we've delivered on that objective with regular matches throughout the year," de Jong said.

"In securing games against China and Thailand we've again confirmed opposition from the intensively competitive Asian Confederation which is ideal for us as both as an on-field test as well as logistically."

The All Whites last match against China came in November 2012 with Chris Wood scoring in a 1-1 draw in Shanghai while the most recent clash against Thailand was a 3-1 loss in Bangkok in March 2009 with Kris Bright grabbing the only goal of the game for the New Zealand side.

FIFA International Window - November

China v All Whites
Nanchang, China
Friday 14 November, Kickoff TBC

Thailand v All Whites
Bangkok, Thailand
Tuesday 18 November, 6.30pm (12.30am, Wed 19 Nov, NZ time)