Soccer: NZ competing for Fifa tournaments

Buoyed by the success of the under-17 youth tournament in 1999, New Zealand Soccer is keen to host another Fifa championship.

New Zealand Soccer boss Graham Seatter is heading a bid to host the inaugural Fifa women's under-17 championship in 2008 and on paper the chances of a win appear better than 50-50.

The tournament is scheduled for the same year as the under-20 women's tournament. New Zealand and three South American countries are the only applicants offering to host the events.

"Ecuador has applied for both. Peru and Chile have also expressed their interest in hosting one or other," said Seatter.

"If the under-20s go to a South American country it is unlikely Fifa would give the same confederation the under-17s as well."

The bonus for New Zealand would be in gaining automatic entry. The Oceania Confederation is entitled to just a half place, but that would become 1 if New Zealand were hosts.

On the playing front, Seatter said the tournament would be a fantastic opportunity for the group of 14-15-year-olds in this year's development programme.

The decision is expected in August. In qualifying for this year's World under-20 championships in Russia, from August 16 to September 3, the woman's national side is already opened doors.

"We expect Finland to confirm very soon that their under-20 women will be here for at least two games next month," said Seatter. "They, like us, have qualified for the World Championships and are keen for games."

He said there might also be some interest from Australia.

The Australians yesterday grabbed the last place in the championships when they came from 1-2 with 15 minutes to play to beat Japan 3-2 to take the last Asian Confederation qualifying spot.

"In the past the Australians have not been keen on playing teams who are playing in the same competition," said Seatter.

"But there is a chance, particularly if we are not drawn [when the draw is made in Moscow this weekend] in the same group, they might be keen for a couple of games."

Seatter said there was also a strong chance the team would play England, who missed by one place, from finishing in the top five (and qualifying) in Europe on their way to Russia.

The John Herdman-coached team are only the fifth New Zealand team to qualify for a Fifa World Championship.

* The under-17 men's team, under coaches Colin Tuaa and Clive Campbell, are off to the United States in July.

They will be based in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Western academy and will play two games against the US under-17s.

* Seatter, who leaves today for meetings in Europe before going to Chile to watch the All Whites' two matches next week, has yet to receive confirmation of any extra matches for the national side before they play Brazil in Geneva on June 4.

"There are some options. But until I have something confirmed in writing, there is nothing definite."

* All Whites coach Ricki Herbert said yesterday it was unlikely a 19th player would be added to the squad for the matches in Chile.