SNZ dubious about Iran trip

New Zealand Soccer bosses will discuss the forthcoming Oceania/Asia championship match against Iran with the Oceania Football Confederation and take advice from the New Zealand Government before confirming the home and away series.

The Iranians secured their spot in the biennial playoff between the two confederation winners with a 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the Asian Games.

New Zealand won through with their 1-0 Nations Cup win over Australia.

The matches, scheduled for late March, would normally be played in the respective countries - New Zealand has already been confirmed as hosts of the first match, probably on March 23 - but MacGowan said there could be a push to play the away game at a neutral venue, with Singapore a possibility.

Speaking from Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski where the All Whites will play Poland on Thursday, MacGowan said there were some concerns.

"If America keeps pushing the war button, we might not be too comfortable in taking the team to that part of the world.

"But it is important these games are played because they will be the last chance for coach Mick Waitt to assess the players before the Confederations Cup.

"We need to talk to the confederations to finalise details now we know who we are playing. We have already pencilled in North Harbour Stadium for our home game on March 23. We hope to play the away game a week later."

MacGowan said they had hoped either Japan or South Korea would win through.

"They would obviously be attractive opponents given their efforts at the World Cup. But I'm sure Iran will be a test as well. We just need to keep playing international football."

In two previous encounters, New Zealand drew 0-0 with Iran at Newmarket Park in 1973 and lost 1-2 at the 1978 Presidents Cup in South Korea.