The New Zealand Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that it has named the men's and women's teams for the Olympic Games.
Barry Maister, New Zealand Olympic official, was delighted to have the squads named. "With the naming of two big squads today, the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing 2008 now stands at 163 athletes," he said.
"With some squads as yet unnamed and qualification tournaments still to be contested, New Zealand is expecting its largest Olympic Team ever."
After ending a 16-year absence from the world stage at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, the women's team will return to China with their strongest squad with John Herdman as head coach.
"It's exciting going into an Olympic Games knowing that all 18 players bring something different and that they can all make a significant impact to the team performance in their own unique way," said Herdman.
The team will meet Japan in its first Olympic match in east China's Qinhuangdao on Aug 6, and Herdman and his team are cherishing the opportunity to be on a world stage.
"It's all special - the whole mantle of being an Olympian. We know what it means to New Zealanders to be at the Olympics, and to be the first team in the first event makes it even more special," Herdman said.
Stu Jaccobs, coach of the New Zealand men's football team, said the call-ups of Chris Killen, Simon Elliot and Ryan Nelson could be a boost his side needs to progress into the quarterfinals.
Despite a tough group that features Olympic hosts China, favorites Brazil and Belgium, Jacobs said a growing confidence is within his side.
"We don't know what we're up against but we have to back ourselves against China and Belgium. If we start well and get a result in that first match we can create excitement and momentum," he said.
Men's squad:
Goalkeepers: Liam Little, Jacob Spoonley
Defenders: Michael Boxall, Ian Hogg Sam, Jenkins Ryan, NelsenSteven Old, Jack Pelter, Aaron Scott, Cole Tinkler
Midfielders: Jeremy Brockie, Simon Elliott, Craig Henderson, Cole Peverley, Shaun van Rooyen
Forwards: Daniel Ellensohn, Chris Killen, Sam Messam
Women's squad:
Goalkeepers: Jenny Bindon, Rachel Howard
Defenders: Anna Green, Abby Erceg, Kristy Hill, Marlies Oostdam, Ria Percival, Rebecca Smith
Midfielders: Katie Hoyle, Emily McColl, Hayley Moorwood, Ali Riley, Kirsty Yallop
Forwards: Amber Hearn, Emma Kete, Renee Leota, Merissa Smith, Rebecca Tegg.
(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2008)