Taiwan defence will test New Zealand

Press, 30 May 1981, Page 60

Taiwan defence will test New Zealand

PA Auckland New Zealand will have to overcome a determined Taiwanese defence to sew up the Oceania section of the World Cup soccer tournament at Mt Smart Stadium today. Taiwan had a well organized defence in the 0-0 draw in Taipei and indications are that similar tactics will be employed by them here. But they would have a far harder time working for that point than at home.

The Kiwis know Mt Smart, which has a far more predictable surface than the clay pitch in Taipei. John Adshead, the New Zealand coach, is looking for two points today and has reshuffled the attack, bringing Grant Turner up from the mid-field to striker and leaving Brian Turner on the reServes bench. Allan Boath has taken Turner's place in the midfield, otherwise the New Zealand side is unchanged.

Mr Adshead and his assistant coach, Kevin Falloon, have been working on the side’s attack this week and are hoping the shifting of Grant Turner forward will bring more aggression. “We need only three points now and .we’re certainly going for two tomorrow,’’ said Mr Adshead in reference tc the comfortable New Zealand position at the head of the Oceania section of the World Cup. “It’s important we get goals quickly. There is nc doubt they have only come here for a point,” said Mr Adshead, referring to statements from the Taiwanese who say they will be happy with a draw. The New Zealand coach is not concerned with the presence of the vice-presi-dent of the Kuwait Football Association, Sheik Ahmad Al Sabah, and the secretarygeneral of the Saudi Arabia Football Association, Mr Othman Al Saad.

The pair are here to discuss possible arrangements for the .Middle East-Asia final of the tournament with the World Cup director, Mr Charlie Dempsey, as well as watching the New Zealanders in action.

Mr Dempsey said yesterday he would not discuss plans for the next round until after today's game. A win today would put New Zealand in an almost impregnable position at the head of the Oceania section, giving Australia, its nearest rivals, an almost impossible position to retrieve.

Taiwan is keeping its options open until the last possible moment and will not name a side until later this morning. The New Zealand team is: Richard Wilson, John Hill, Ricki Herbert, Bobby Almond, Glenn Dods, Keith Mac Kay, Duncan Cole, Steve Sumner (captain), Allan Boath, Steve Woodin and Grant Turner.