Soccer: Former All White dies

Former All White and North Shore United stalwart Duncan Cole passed away last night, aged 55. Photo / File.

Former All White and North Shore United stalwart Duncan Cole passed away last night, aged 55.

Cole played 58 A-internationals for New Zealand and was an integral member of the 1982 All Whites squad as they qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.

Cole played in all 15 qualifiers and all three group games at the finals tournament, where they lost to Scotland, USSR and Brazil.

Cole made his full All Whites debut in a 2-0 win over Singapore on 1 October 1978 and ended his international playing career in a 0-1 loss to Israel on 27 March 1988.

OFC President David Chung paid tribute to Cole for his contribution to football in New Zealand.

"Duncan Cole had a remarkable playing career and contributed hugely to the All Whites run to the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain," said Chung.

"His no-nonsense approach on the pitch was his trademark and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. On behalf of the Oceania Football Community, we offer our deepest condolences to his family during this extremely sad time."