 New Zealand have included just four players from the 2010 World Cup in their football squad for the London Olympics. QPR defender Ryan Nelsen, who captained New Zealand at the World Cup, will also lead the Olympics team as one of three over-age players in the under-23 squad. Ipswich defender Tommy Smith, West Bromwich striker Chris Wood and striker Shane Smeltz, who plays for the A-League's Perth Glory, are the other players from South Africa 2010. Central Coast Mariners midfielder Michael McGlinchey was added as one of the over-age players when defender Winston Reid was chose to tour with his club West Ham United. The 18-man team will be coached by former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Neil Emblen and will play pool matches against Belarus, Egypt and Brazil. Emblen said the squad is small but has tactical flexibility. "The over-age players give us a good balance and experience down the spine of the team. We've been able to pick the All Whites premier defender, first choice midfielder and most prolific striker," Emblen said. "Ryan's influence in particular will be massive for a group that includes players as young as 17 and any time you can include a player in your squad that was commonly regarded as one of the best at the World Cup in South Africa it's a boost for your side's chances." The Oly Whites squad includes five players who currently play for English teams, four play in Australia, two in the USA, one in Russia, and the remaining six play for New Zealand teams. The Women Football Ferns 18 player squad for the Olympics will be announced on June 29. New
Zealand men’s football team for London Olympics Defenders Midfielders Forwards Standby New
Zealand Olympic Schedule - Men July 29 August 1
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