The Zebras have been on a decline in the FIFA rankings since hitting their highest mark in September 2007. This was under the tutelage of Colwyn Rowe when the Zebras were 95th in the world. Interestingly, the Zebras' opponents tomorrow have moved four places down. They are placed at number 82 in the world although they are still the best team in the Oceania. The highest rankings ever achieved by the Zebras' opponents was in August 2002 when they found themselves in 42nd position. In September 2007, they hit their lowest mark in the FIFA rankings when they were ranked number 156. Their best movement in the rankings was in October last year when they moved 57 places up although they had in the previous year moved 27 places down. Many would not regard New Zealand as strong opponents but the fact that they are number one in their region means a lot. Their status as the best team in the Oceania happened by virtue of Australia's defection to the Asian Football Federation. New Zealand qualified for the Confederations Cup as champions of the Oceania. The All Whites finished first with seven points in a home and away round robin tournament in which they faced weak opponents, New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Besides being crowned champions of Oceania, the result also secured them a place in the play-off against the fifth best team in Asia for a berth in next year's World Cup in South Africa.
The build up to tomorrow's match has rather been embarrassing and many would want to forget this week's events quickly. By around 1pm yesterday, it was still not clear as to whether the game will still go on.
