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nzcity - Two debutantes and a
positional change for the new skipper are features of Mick Waitt's All
Whites team to play Iran in Monday morning's soccer clash in Tehran.
Ryan Nelsen will captain the new-look side from midfield, with Ivan Vicelich
moving to the centre of defence, alongside the recalled Che Bunce, who will
be playing his first match for New Zealand since 2000 after recovering from
a serious back injury.
Waitt says Vicelich has the necessary qualities to fill the hole left at the
back by the retirement of Danny Hay.
There are full international debuts for striker Leo Bertos and defender Tony
Lochhead, who are both eligible for the 2004 Olympic under-23 side, along
with substitutes Glenn Moss, Rupesh Puna, Allan Pearce and David Mulligan.
Lochhead will start at left back, allowing Gerard Davis to revert to his
more favoured right-sided defensive role.
Iran and New Zealand have met only twice in the past.
The first was in 1973 when the spoils were shared 0-0 in Auckland, while the
second was five years later in Korea, with Iran winning the 1978 President's
Cup match 2-1.
The starting All Whites side is: Mark Paston, Gerard Davis, Che Bunce, Ivan
Vicelich, Tony Lochhead, Duncan Oughton, Simon Elliott, Ryan Nelsen
(captain), Aaran Lines, Noah Hickey and Leo Bertos.
The reserves are: Christian Bouckenooghe, David Mulligan, Glen Collins,
Michael Wilson, Rupesh Puna, Allan Pearce and Glenn Moss.
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