Soccer: World Cup here we come - Dugdale

By Terry Maddaford

GUADALAJARA - The offers have been flying around for the New Zealand soccer players after some outstanding efforts in the Confederations Cup, but none have come, as yet, for coach Ken Dugdale.

Not that that bothers him too much, although he did hint, with a grin, that if the chance came to coach professionally in Mexico he would consider it.

Dugdale, who, like the team, has been keenly sought out here, received the highest-possible praise from Brazilian coach Wanderley Luxemburgo after Brazil beat New Zealand 2-0 on Saturday.

Talking with Dugdale after the game, and in subsequent interviews, Luxemburgo said New Zealand had shown their inexperience in their first game against the United States, but had improved in each game.

"He and his coaching staff complimented me and our players for a superb game against Brazil," said Dugdale. "He said we had a very good team who were a credit to the game and had played some superb football."

Dugdale and his coaching staff look back on a 12-match tour, including the three cup games, with satisfaction. They lost half their games, but none by more than two goals, and no team scored more than two goals against them. They finished with a 13-16 goal count, with all but one of their opponents with a higher world ranking.

"To do what we have done is a credit to New Zealand football," said Dugdale, back in his hotel after the epic battle with Brazil. "Coming back here tonight with the crowds lining the streets to cheer us showed how much our efforts had been appreciated.

"We have shown we have developed a style and can play football. We have gone out to be positive and have been rewarded for that. There were some who were critical of our decision to play with three at the back, but if you play more defensively you find the space is restricted. We didn't want that.

"Our goal all along has been the 2002 World Cup. In the 12 games on this tour and the four we played at the Nations Cup to win the right to be here, we have stuck to our plan and looked to develop the way we want to play."

Dugdale said all players had contributed to the results.

Ryan Nelsen, who would not have been here but for Danny Hay's late withdrawal, was outstanding. Dugdale reckons he will play for his country for as long as he wants. He was impressed also with Kris Bouckenooghe who, along with Nelsen, will play for the under-23 side in their Olympic qualifying bid.

"Across the park we did well. All the players contributed to a real team effort. These players have shown the under-23 lads what they can achieve and hopefully they will follow that lead."