Fast-forward two years and the Drogba and Anelka have made the move to the world's most populous nation, kick-starting renewed interest in football after a difficult period for the sport.
"There were already a lot of foreigners when I was there, but what they're doing now is bringing in a few big name ones to create a buzz,'' said Vicelich.
"The potential in China is huge. There was so much room for improvement when I was there and obviously with such a big population and their wealth the ability to do that is a lot easier.''
Vicelich has since been back to China, captaining the All Whites in a 1-1 draw with China in Wuhan in March last year.
"It was a tough game, we got a good result that night after going behind early,'' he said.
Vicelich is predicting a similarly difficult night in front of a potentially packed house at the 33,000-seat Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium.
"With the national team playing in Shanghai it should be buzzing. There's a population of about 23 million so hopefully we get a good crowd.''
