WITH just a month to go until the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, the provisional squads are starting to be named.

New Zealand named theirs earlier this week with few surprises. Ryan Nelsen will of course captain the All Whites side.

Nelsen, who has already returned to his home country in preparation for the event, was named the Nike Player of the Year at their football awards at the weekend.

Ahead of their World Cup Group F matches against Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, New Zealand have friendly matches against Australia, Servia and Slovenia.

The other Rover called up so far for the World Cup is Lars Jacobsen of Denmark. The defender has been named in an initial 26-man squad by coach Morten Olsen.

The Group E side face the Netherlands, Japan and Cameron, before that they have friendlies against Senegal and Australia.