Former Danish international Brian Laudrup and Australian Mark Bosnich are being lined up for the Oceania All-Stars to face David Beckham’s LA Galaxy in an exhibition soccer match in Auckland in December.
A 20-strong squad led by World Cup winner Christian Karembeu was named on Thursday, with Oceania Football Confederation general secretary Tai Nicholas saying four other name players were being sought.
Two of the vacancies were likely to be filled by Laudrup and Bosnich.
Laudrup, 39, was a member of Denmark’s European Championship-winning side of 1992, and played for the likes of Bayern Munich, Glasgow Rangers and Chelsea.
Former Socceroo, Aston Villa and Manchester United keeper Bosnich, 36, is plying his trade with A-League side Central Coast Mariners.
Confirmed for the December 6 match is New Caledonian-born Karembeu, who helped France to the 1998 World Cup crown and Real Madrid to two European Champions League titles.
The All Stars also include past and present All Whites Ivan Vicelich, Jarrod Smith and Steven Old.
There is a fourth New Zealander in goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley, who was part of the Oly-Whites’ effort at the Beijing Games.
Nicholas said organisers were optimistic Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer could also be involved, either on the field or in a coaching role.
Rufer has a previously arranged engagement and Nicholas hoped the clash of dates could be resolved.
The All Stars will be coached by Australian Jim Selby, with former All White Colin Tuaa and ex-Tahitian international Patrick Jacquemet as Selby’s assistants.
Vicelich said he looking forward to facing a player of Beckham’s stature.
“It’s great to have a player with Beckham’s profile come to New Zealand and create media interest for football in Auckland and around the Pacific region,” he said.
“Beckham has done so much for football around the world and this is a great opportunity for me and the rest of the players to run out on the park alongside him and give the Galaxy a run for their money.”
The visit will be Beckham’s second to New Zealand, after his trip to Wellington late last year.
Oceania All Stars
Jacob Spoonley (New Zealand), Benjamin Longue (New Caledonia), David Muta (Papua New Guinea), Fedy Vava (Vanuatu), Nelson Sale (Solomon Islands), Ivan Vicelich (New Zealand), Pierre Wajoka (New Caledonia), Raimana Lee Fung Kuee (Tahiti), Judd Molea (Solomon Islands), Jarrod Smith (New Zealand), Peni Finau (Fiji), Osea Vakatalesau (Fiji), Francois Sakama (Vanuatu), Malakai Tiwa (Fiji), Alick Maemae (Solomon Islands), Henry Faarodo (Solomon Islands), Christian Karembeu (France/New Caledonia, captain), Steven Old (New Zealand), Brian Laudrup (Denmark), Mark Bosnich (Australia).
NZPA
