Rufer Interview On AW World Cup Chances

In many respects, New Zealand is experiencing the same hype and opportunities that Australia did in 2006. Are you confident that New Zealand Football (NZF) can capitalise on the flow-on effects provided from World Cup qualification?

I'll be honest and say no, I'm not confident. With the history of the people who run the show here, you need someone like [Wellington Phoenix owner] Terry Serepisos to be chairman of NZF. Just like Australia has Frank Lowy, he's a big gun. You need these types of people to lead your organisation. No disrespect to [current NZF chairman] Frank van Hattum, he was a great goalkeeper and a World Cup squad member in 1982, but he doesn't have the pulling power that these big guns have, and that's what you need in the political arena. The dollars combined with that political power makes the difference& I hope that they get it right but I honestly have my doubts.