Illness scare hits N.Z. World Cup soccer camp

Press, 15 May 1981, Page 24

Illness scare hits N.Z. World Cup soccer camp

NZPA Sydney An illness scare hit the New Zealand soccer team yesterday just 48 hours before its crucial World Cup qualifying game against Australia.

Two key players, the goalkeeper, Richard Wilson, and the aggressive mid-fielder, Grant Turner, cried off the team’s morning training session with bouts of influenza. They left the team’s South Sydney training ground shortly after the practice began to return to their motel beds. The New Zealand team’s medical officer and physiotherapist, Mr Doug Edwards, said that the players were actually exhibiting “pre-in-fluenza symptoms associated with fatigue.” He predicted that with complete rest and medication, the two players should show marked signs of recovery with 24 to 36 hours.

The team’s coach, John Adshead, said he was not worried at this stage: “But I will be if the players conditions have not cleared up by tomorrow.” Mr Adshead had originally scheduled two training sessions for the New Zealanders yesterday but he cancelled the afternoon session after noting that several other

players were also showing signs of tiredness. The worry in the New Zealand camp is that the team’s hectic schedule through Asia and the Pacific in the last two weeks may be having an effect — at very much the wrong time. However, in spite of the tiredness of some of the players, the training session yesterday — held in warm, sunny conditions — was impressive. Mindful of the Australian aerial superiority which cost the New Zealanders all three goals in the draw with Australia and Auckland on Anzac Day, the emphasis was placed on clearing high balls. The Kiwi defence has not

conceded a goal in its three World Cup games since the Australian encounter but it has also not faced the aerial pressure which the Australians will again seek to mount on Saturday. The centre back, Ricki Herbert, who has emerged from the tour with a greatly enhanced reputation, looked infine form during the ses-

sion gaining good distance and height . with hidden clearances.

The side's second goalkeeper, Frank van Hattum, also looked impressive and ready to step into Wilson’s shoes of the latter does not recover.

But the absence of Grant Turner from the mid-field would be a severe blow to the New Zealanders. An ankle injury forced him out of the Taiwan game and his aggression was missed as New Zealand dropped a vital qualifying point in a goalless draw.

Mr Adshead said he had been impressed by his players’ attitude at training. This, combined with the fatigued sector, had convinced him that a light workout today at the game venue, the Sydney Cricket Ground, would be sufficient final preparation, he said. New Zealand goes into the match in the box seat with six points from four outings in the Oceania group, while Australia has one point from its only match to date.