1981 v 2009
Countdown to the Big Game at the Cake Tin tonight and time to reflect on the last time we were in this position.
And plenty of change too.
For a start, all the 1981 home games were played in Auckland at what was then Mt Smart Stadium. In the afternoon.
Back then, the odd ones out were the overseas pros.
The thought of NZ based pros would have been unthinkable. The bulk of the All Whites players were National League players although the National League was at the stage a genuine club competition.
Perhaps the biggest difference is the number of games.
The 1981 All Whites had the largest number of games to qualify (I’m far too lazy to find out how many). The first part involved a mix of Asian and Pacific teams including the old enemy, Oz.
Home and away and yes we drew at home to the Oz but beat them 2-0 in Sydney. And I was at a dry wedding!!!!
The second phase involved a number of qualifiers competing in a cut throat top 2 take all play off.
Frankly with Saudi Arabia, China, Kuwait all competing for the 2 spots it was seen to be a big ask.
While there’s a lot of comparison today with the one off game with China that sealed the final place, it only came about after the two teams were tied in points and goal difference.
Tonight’s game is only a one off because of the 0-0 draw in the first leg. The only way that the game can go to penalties if it’s 0-0 at the end of EXTRA time.
OK, time to kick back (boom boom) and watch the game.
