All Whites coach Ken Dugdale's frustration continues as he struggles to find worthy opposition ahead of July's Confederation's Cup.
Just back from an overseas trip, Dugdale said he had little joy searching for teams to play before the cup tournament in Mexico.
"We have drawn blanks in South America, Central-NorthAmerica and Europe as well as South Africa," said Dugdale.
"Our preference is obviously to play internationals, especially against teams ranked above us, but we may have to look at other options.
Dugdale said they were already looking at Asia. "Most of their teams have higher Fifa rankings than us so that wouldn't be too bad. Ideally we need three games away, maybe a couple here and hopefully the two we've been promised in Mexico before the cup.
"With due respect to Oceania countries like Fiji and Tahiti, we need ... tougher opposition.
"We could look at club sides but that too defeats the purpose of trying to improve our world ranking - and they're asking an arm and a leg to come here." In South Africa Dugdale checked out former All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting, who is playing professionally in the republic.
"Michael is playing very well. He is over the injuries he sustained in that horror car crash and is very keen to play for New Zealand again. I spoke to his coach and others associated with the club and they are all very impressed with his attitude and form."
Dugdale will watch as many players as possible in North Island League games but admits that with so many overseas-based players, it will be a selection nightmare.
Among the others playing their football outside these shores are Mark Burton (Germany), Jason Batty and Gareth Rowe (Singapore), Che Bunce and Rupert Ryan (Sweden), Nik Viljoen and Kris Boucken (Belgium), Scott Smith (England), Simon Elliott, Ryan Nelson and Gerrard Davis (US) and Australian-based Gavin Wilkinson, Danny Hay, Mark Atkinson, Sean Douglas, Vaughan Coveny and Chris Zoricich.
Dugdale and assistant coach Mick Waitt hope to name a 22-strong squad late this month or early in May, and assemble them in Auckland the second week of June.
Their first game at the Confederation's Cup - all matches being played in Guadalajara - is against the United States on July 24. They play Germany on July 29 and Brazil two days later. The final is scheduled for August 4.
