Countdown to South Africa: Spotlight on New Zealand

New Zealand are in Group F and will play Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. This is the New Zealand squad which I believe has the best chance of success in South Africa.

First 11

GK. Mark Paston, Club- Wellington, Age at World Cup (AWC) 33.

RB. Steven Old, Club- Kilmarnock, (AWC) 24.

CB. Christian Bouckenooghe, Club- K.S.V Roeselare (Belgium), (AWC) 33.

CB. Ryan Nelsen, Club- Blackburn, (AWC) 32.

LB. Tony Lochhead, Club- Wellington, (AWC) 28.

CDM. Simon Elliott, Club- San Jose, (AWC) 36.

RM. Duncan Oughton, Club- Columbus, (AWC) 32.

CM. Michael McGlinchey, Club- Motherwell, (AWC) 23.

LW. Jeremy Brockie, Club- North Queensland, (AWC) 22.

ST. Chris Killen, Club- Middlesbrough (Championship), (AWC) 28.

ST. Rory Fallon, Club- Plymouth Argyle (Championship), (AWC) 28.

Subs

GK. Glen Moss, Club- Melbourne, (AWC) 27.

GK. James Bannatyne, Club- Team Wellington, (AWC) 34.

RB. Dave Mulligan, Club- Wellington, (AWC) 28.

CB. Andrew Boyens, Club- New York, (AWC) 26.

CB. Ben Sigmund, Club- Wellington, (AWC) 29.

LB. Tommy Smith, Club- Brentford (League 1), (AWC) 20.

CDM. Ivan Vicelich, Club- Auckland City F.C., (AWC) 33.

CM. Tim Brown, Club- Wellington, (AWC) 29.

RW. Leo Bertos, Club- Wellington, (AWC) 28.

CAM. Graig Henderson, Club- Mjallby AIF (Sweden), (AWC) 22.

ST. Shane Smeltz, Club- Gold Coast, (AWC) 28.

ST. Chris Wood, Club- West Bromwich Albion (Championship), (AWC) 18.

Agree with my selections?

The Coach

New Zealand are coached by New Zealander Ricki Herbert. Herbert began his coaching career, coaching various club sides in New Zealand. Herbert was made coach of the New Zealand national team side in 2005. In 2007 Herbert was named as coach of new A-league side Wellington Phoenix, whilst still continuing to coach New Zealand. He still continues to coach both sides.

New Zealand's Strengths

New Zealand are a tall, physical side, this will make them their most threatening from corners, crossers and free kicks.

New Zealand's Weakness

New Zealand will go to the World Cup as one of the minnows, however they are especially weak on the left of midfield.