Captain’s reflections

Press, 24 September 1980, Page 40

Captain’s reflections

By

DAVID LEGGAT

“We are not going to be able to compete unless we are fitter and sharper.” That is the view of the New Zealand soccer captain, Steve Sumner, who returned from the team’s two-match tour of Canada yesterday. Sumner captained New Zealand in the two internationals against Canada, won by the Canadians, 4-0 and 3-0. However, he believes that New Zealand could, and perhaps should, have gone much closer. “In both games they had a

total of eight good chances, and took seven,” said Sumner. “We had six good chances and did not take any.” He agreed that the attack lacked some of the necessary incisiveness, but also referred to the difference between the two teams.“They are professionals and we are amateurs. They will be in world class in the not too distant future.” He said that Canada had about 60 professional players in North America — players who competed against some of the world’s best, such as the great Dutchman, Johann

Cruyff — from which to se-; - lect its side. 1 Sumner singled out Dunj can Ormond — “He did very - well in both games,” —• as - probably, the pick of the > New Zealand team. ■ “The tour opened a few of the senior players’ eyes. It i is a different kettle of fish r over there, and players will : not get. in by name only.” Sumner’s own efforts were I hampered by a dose of food ; poisoning which hindered ; his play in the first match, > but in the second game he ; felt that his performance t was “quite good.”