N.Z. determined to break 25-year soccer drought

Press, 13 June 1979, Page 38

N.Z. determined to break 25-year soccer drought

PA Auckland The determination to break a 25-year-long drought is the only real incentive the New Zealand soccer team needs for the match against Australia at Newmarket Park this evening.

Since its 2-1 win ever the Australians, at Melbourne in 1954, a New Zealand side has not beaten its perennial rivals.

In 30 clashes between the trans-Tasman adversaries over the years, Australia has won 20, New Zealand five, and five have been drawn. _ Many believe that this is the local side’s best chance in some time to score the win which is becoming more and more important to it. New Zealand’s supporters back such claims by pointing to the last meeting, when at Newmarket Park, the New Zealand team came within an ace of winning the game which was eventually drawn, 1-1. The Australians, under their new coach, Rudi Gutendorf, are in the process of rebuilding their side with the 1982 World Cup finals their ultimate aim.

But, in spite of any claims to the contrary, the game will be no pushover for the New Zealand coach, John Adshead, and his keen team. The Australian team, built around the powerful Sydney Marconi side, which is at present four points clear at the top of the Phillips League, is a strong, well balanced one with an excellent blend of experience and good, determined young players. With regular play in the Phillips League — perhaps the most concentrated of all soccer competition in this part of the world — to keep them fit and razor-sharp, the Australians will not be lacking in the fitness necessary to play a hard 90 minutes. Within minutes of arriving at their hotel last evening, the Australians were out for a training run end they will,

like the local side, round off their preparation with a light session this morning. In the meantime, Mr Adshead has sprung a couple of surprises in naming his side.

The 23-year-old Trans Tours United player. Johann \ erweij, gets the chance to show his goa'.-scoring ability at the expense of the Central striker, Brian Turner, who has dropped back to his former midfield role.

Verweij will be joined up front by Keith Nelson and a newcomer, Duncan Ormond, who has earned his place with some high class, determined training this week. Ormond has pushed Alf Stamp on to the substitutes bench but yesterday Mr Adshead made it clear that, should the opportunity arise, Stamp may well get a chance at some stage to show his worth. The New Zealand midfield of Turner, Steve Sumner and Duncan Cole, carry the burden of what promises to be the most vital part of the game if New Zealand is to have any real chance of victory. The defence of Tony Sibley, who will again lead the side, Bobby Almond. Sam Malcolmson and Adrian Elrick shapes as a good, well balanced unit fully capable of matching the Australian attack.

Only the goalkeeping position remains in doubt. Richard Wilson and Sandy Davie have been bracketed and a final decision will be made after a fitness test on Davie at noon today. Given an ounce of luck, and the support of a good crowd. New Zealand can win and go one-up in the twomatch series, but it will not

be easy against a team of match-hardened Australians —many of whom played in the New South Wales teams which recently beat Norwich City, 4-1, the same score by which New Zealand was beaten. The teams are. — New Zealand: Sandy Davie or Richard Wilson, Tony Sibley (Capt) Bobby Almond, Sam Malcolmson, Adrian Elrick, Duncan Cole, Brian Turner, Steve Sumner, Duncan Ormond, Johann Verweij, Keith Nelson. Australia: Greg Woodhouse, Col Curran, Peter Wilson (Capt), Col Bennett. Paul Degney, Tony Henderson, Gary Byrne, Mark Jankovics, Joe Watson, John Kosmina, Peter Sharne.