New Zealand Football Legend Steve Sumner Passes Away, Aged 61

Steve Sumner - the man who led New Zealand to its first ever FIFA World Cup - has died in Christchurch, aged 61.

Sumner - who has been suffering of prostate cancer - captained the All Whites through their famous qualifying campaign to reach the 1982 World Cup in Spain - and led New Zealand at the tournament, scoring a goal against Scotland.

As part of the All Whites qualifying campaign, New Zealand went unbeaten for 15 straight matches - and arguably put football ahead of rugby in the public consciousness for the first time ever.

The All Whites played Scotland, the USSR and Brazil,in Spain, losing their matches 5-2, 3-0 and 4-0. Sumner's goal against Scotland was the first ever from a Oceania footballer in a World Cup. New Zealand wouldn't reach another on until South Africa, in 2010.

A recent interview with Steve Sumner about his football career in New Zealand. Source: Youtube.

Sumner, a hard-working midfielder, played a significant role in New Zealand's famed campaign, along with coaches John Adshead and Kevin Fallon.

Despite the likes of Winston Reid, Ryan Nelsen and Wynton Rufer achieving more on a club and international scale, many argue that Sumner's influence on Kiwi football - through '82 - ranks as the greatest of any NZ footballer.

"What he and the All Whites team from 1982 achieved in that FIFA World Cup campaign put New Zealand on the world football map and his legacy will last forever," Andy Martin, New Zealand Football chief executive, said, in a statement.

Sumner was born in England in 1955, playing youth football for Blackpool and Preston, before taking a contract at Christchurch United in 1973.

A highlights package looking back at New Zealand's run to the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Source: Youtube.

After making his New Zealand debut in 1976, through residency rules, Sumner went on to play for Newcastle and West Adelaide in Australia, as well as Manurewa and Gisborne City back in Godzone.

"He wasn't born a great player, but he wanted to be the best, he had the desire," Sam Malcolmson, a team mate from the 1982 All Whites, told the New Zealand Herald.

"He was single minded, self driven. He demanded from the players what he demanded from himself."

Sumner received a special FIFA Order of Merit award in 2010, for his services to New Zealand and Oceania football.