Fifa to decide next week

on who gets the extra spot for the world cup 2006.New Zealand Soccer is gearing up for one of the biggest decisions in its history.

On Tuesday FIFA will decide their allocation of places for the 2006 World Cup.

The world body will vote on whether to give the Oceania region an automatic entry.

New Zealand Soccer CEO Bill MacGowan says FIFA president Sepp Blatter is a staunch advocate of Oceania's right to a World Cup place, but there are other interests barracking for another spot.

He says FIFA president Sepp Blatter could have the final say as he has the casting vote in any tied situation.

Asia are after an additional place and are likely to be putting a lot of pressure on the executive.

MacGowan won't be in Madrid for the vote. Oceania president Basil Scarsella will represent the confederation.

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heres hoping its good news for us!

*fingers crossed* wonder if nz made the world cup it would increase the amount of interest in soccer here? *dumb question*

Asia and North America are demanding an extra place based on the World Cup success of several teams from those federations. Despite the success of Japan and Korea, two Asian teams (Saudi Arabia and China) were also the worse teams at the World Cup so there bid is doubtful. South America is demanding an outright five places instead of four direct entry and a playoff with the the top Oceania team as it is now.

This could work well with the Oceania bid as in granting Oceania a direct entry then there would be no need for a playoff with South America. Africa also wants it, but remember when Charlie Dempsey voted against South Afroca as World Cup hosts and controversially gave his vote to Germany. This was to secure UEFA endorsement for an Oceania direct entry to the World Cup. Whether they hold to that is a diffrent story though.

Lets hope crafty old Dempsey's work does pay off

Refresh my memory. Didnt Dempsey vote for something or someone?