N.Z.’s WORLD CUP PLANS

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31409, 30 June 1967, Page 13

N.Z.’s WORLD CUP PLANS

To prepare for New Zealand’s entry into the 1970 World Cup soecer competition, it is planned to bring to the country at least two top-class teams each season.

This is the scheme outlined by the director of promotions for the New Zealand Football Association, Mr C. J. Dempsey, of Auckland.

Mr Dempsey was appointed to the new position at last week-end’s meeting of the NJS.FJL council. To ensure the success of his scheme, he will make a world trip to line up suitable visitors. He said that the teams which did come into the coun-

try would be th® very best he could get “I want teams coming to New Zealand who will provide a stiff test for the national side and 1 will negotiate with any country in the world,” he said. Mr Dempsey said that Australia would be asked for regular matches, even though in the last few years it had not been the most satisfactory soccer association to deal with. “However,” he added, “I think that now we have decided to enter the World Cup, it will certainly change Australia’s attitude toward playing us. Australia is not so far ahead of New Zealand." Mr Dempsey stressed that “this 1970 entry is not the big joke several people seem to think it is. “After three years’ preparation, the New Zealand side should be capable of a bold showing. Starting Somewhere

“We should remember that Australia entered for the last World Cup series and was beaten, 11-1, by North Korea on the over-all result of two matches. Many other countries have gone through the same process. Each has to make a start somewhere.”

Mr Dempsey said that the New Zealand director of coaching, Mr J. Schwanner, was the ideal man for the task ahead.

“The experience which the plgyers will get for the next three years should be invaluable,” said Mr Dempsey. “Most of them should be working together for the bulk of the period as a team and squad. This should improve their playing capabilities 100 per cent.

“I think that the honest endeavour which the players, coaches and administrators will make will give the people of New Zealand a pleasant surprise in 1970.”