Soccer: We'll play to win - but let's be realistic!

Brian Turner in 1982. File Picture

The last 20 or so minutes of Brian Turner's 102nd match for New Zealand were as a substitute against Brazil at the 1982 World Cup. It's a memory he cherishes and will take with him when he sits alongside Ricki Herbert when the national side tackle Ronaldo and Co in Geneva on Monday.

There is a certain irony in this coach-assistant coach partnership. Herbert, the coach, and Turner, his assistant, played key roles in that 1982 campaign - Turner the elder statesman, Herbert the tyro.

They were major players in a squad which started out as New Zealand but soon became the All Whites - a name which stuck.

In those days, Herbert was an automatic choice after his stunning debut against Mexico in 1980; Turner an occasional starter, sometimes substitute. He and captain Steve Sumner remain the only players to have worn the white strip more than 100 times.

Turner did not get to kick a ball in the early games in Spain - he also missed the epic win over China in Singapore as the All Whites qualified for the finals - but he savours the Brazil match in Seville.

"Of course it was special," says Turner of the minutes given him by coach John Adshead. "I took it as recognition for a job well done. The whole World Cup was a highlight. You have a dream from the time you first play. I was given the chance to play out that dream. Our World Cup really was in just getting there."

The bonus was later meeting his idol, Pele.

Even though he didn't get a start against Brazil, Turner remembers the occasion vividly. "We were in the tunnel waiting to go out. They [Brazil] were laughing, holding hands and enjoying themselves. We were sombre, dead-set serious. It was amazing but I don't think they know any other way."

And 24 years on. Different circumstances but more of the same.

The Brazilians will go out to enjoy themselves but, at the same time, send a message to their World Cup opponents.

The All Whites are on a hiding to nothing. Get a reasonable result and the sceptics will say Brazil weren't trying. Lose by a hatful and they'll say New Zealand were outclassed. Turner has his own take. "We are not going to go out with the approach of just trying to keep the score down. We play every game to win," he says.

"Okay, that might not be realistic here but we still want the players to try to play with flair and imagination. If you get too free - especially at the back - you will get punished. Brazil is the best team in the world. We know the challenge. But the team are up for it."