1982, The All Whites: Against the odds

The All Whites made it all the way to the World Cup Finals in Spain in 1982. (NZ Herald Archive)

The All Whites captured the hearts and minds of the sporting public when, against all odds, they won a place in the World Cup finals in Spain.

At the end of the qualifying rounds, they were equal on points and goal difference with China so there was a sudden death playoff in Singapore in front of 60,000 fans roaring the Chinese on.

The match finished in the early hours of Monday January 11 and the Herald ran a front-page report from Terry Maddaford in Singapore.

"The New Zealand soccer team early today won their way to the World Cup finals in Spain," he wrote.

"A brilliant goal by Wynton Rufer two minutes into the second half sealed a 2-1 victory following a goal by Steve Wooddin midway through the first half. Rufer fastened on to a clearance by Richard Wilson and blasted the ball into the Chinese net.

"China struck back with 15 minutes to go ... but desperate defence by New Zealand kept the Chinese at bay."

Sadly, the team did not win a match in the finals.

"Within their limited ability, New Zealand played well and showed just what progress has been made since the basis of this team came together two years ago," Maddaford wrote.

For blazing a trail for the beautiful game in rugby country, the All Whites are New Zealanders of the Year for 1982.

From the Herald archives:
'Rufer goal recalled as All Whites return', NZ Herald online, 30 August 2013

Further reading:
The All Whites and the 1982 World Cup finals, New Zealand History Online