Soccer: NZ battle the odds in crunch

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Transtasman soccer rivalry goes back on the line at North Harbour Stadium tonight with a place in the world under-20 championship in Argentina at stake.

Australia, who scored 46 goals and conceded none in five matches in their qualifying pool in the Cook Islands, will start warm favourites against New Zealand.

This is despite being without Southampton striker Scott McDonald, who misses the game through suspension.

Eight of the players in tonight's lineup were in the Australian side that lost the 1999 world under-17 final to Brazil in a penalty shootout on the same ground. Australian coach Ange Postecoglou said that was all the incentive they needed.

"They remember that game but more importantly they are looking forward to playing on a good surface," said Postecoglou. "We are not expecting an easy game, but the players know they are just 180 minutes [home and away series] from World Cup football."

The New Zealand team boasts only Jeremy Christie, Neil Jones, David Rayner and David Mulligan of the New Zealand team who played in the under-17 championship. That suggests they will be an older and physically stronger team than the Australians.

"There is not a lot of difference in the ages, but I feel it is more important to look at where they are playing and the standard of competition," said Postecoglou.

His net has been cast far and wide.

Eleven of the visitors have played, or are playing their senior football in the Australian National Soccer League. Toss in seven overseas-based players and it is clear that they have a strong side.

"They will be quick and skilful," said New Zealand national coach Ken Dugdale, who with team coach Kenny Cresswell took the team through their qualifying pool in New Caledonia unbeaten.

"But this is the best under-20 side we have had."

Captain Chris Killen, who has spent time with the All Whites, will join Brisbane-based Shane Smeltz in what promises to be a potent attacking force.

A year at English club Barnsley has brought out the best in under-17 captain Christie. He will play a key midfield role where he could be joined by ever-likely Mulligan (also at Barnsley) and possibly Ben Sigmund and Roddy Payne.

Depending on the formation selected, the defence should include Rayner, Darren Young (back from Barnsley and Newcastle United respectively), Andy Levick and probably Terry Thou.

To keep the series alive - the return will be played in Coffs Harbour on Sunday - the Killen-led New Zealanders must get a result tonight.

The TAB have installed the Australians as hot favourites but battling the odds is something New Zealand soccer teams have long had to overcome.

Tonight will be no different but again provides the kind of challenge New Zealand teams respond to.

The match, which kicks-off at 7.30 pm, is due to be refereed by Vanuatu's Harry Atisson.