Language is for communicating. "Soccer" cannot be
confused with any other sport. "Football", unfortunately, can
be.
Is the purpose of the name we give our game (a) to be clear
about what we are talking, or (b) to make us feel
better/bigger/more important/part of the biggest global game etc
blah blah?
UK imports to NZ may wish to continue to call our sport
"football", but should not be suprised if they then need to explain
to which of the numberous football codes they refer.
Calling it football rather than soccer, ain't going to make
our game overtake egg-chasing in popularity in NZ.
Though the "Football Ferns" may begin to change the dynamic
...