Steve Wooddin (full name: Stephen Wooddin; born 16 January 1955) is a New Zealand former association football player who played as a striker. He is best known for his role in New Zealand's successful campaign to qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.
Early life and club career
Wooddin was born in Birkenhead, England. He began his club career at Cammell Laird before joining Tranmere Rovers in Birkenhead, where he made a small number of first-team appearances. He subsequently played for New Brighton and Winsford United before moving to New Zealand in 1977 to join Dunedin City.
In 1981, Wooddin moved to Australia, where he played three years for South Melbourne FC in the National Soccer League (NSL). He then returned to New Zealand, joining Christchurch United, where his career was cut short by a recurring ankle injury in 1984. He later played for Christchurch Technical (also known as Cashmere Technical) from 1987 to 1989.
According to reports, a Belgian First Division team sought to sign Wooddin following his performances at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, but he failed the medical due to his existing injury.
International career
Wooddin was first selected for the New Zealand national team (the All Whites) in May 1980. He scored the fourth goal in a 4–0 win over Mexico in Auckland in August 1980, a result widely regarded as one of the most significant in New Zealand's international football history.
Wooddin was selected for all fifteen matches in New Zealand's ultimately successful 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring eight goals. His goals included strikes against Australia (home and away), Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in a 5–0 victory in Riyadh. In the decisive play-off against China in Singapore in January 1982, Wooddin opened the scoring with a left-foot shot in a 2–1 win that secured New Zealand's place at the World Cup.
At the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, Wooddin was one of only two New Zealand scorers in the tournament (alongside Steve Sumner), scoring New Zealand's second goal in a 5–2 loss to Scotland. He also started the subsequent group matches against the Soviet Union and Brazil.
Later career and retirement
In 1983, injuries limited Wooddin to just two international appearances, against Australia and Fiji. He made his final two appearances for the All Whites against Fiji in October 1984, scoring the winning goal in the first of those matches, before retiring due to injured ankle ligaments. He finished his international career with 24 A-international appearances and 11 goals.
Playing style
Wooddin was a left-footed attacking player, noted for his trademark left-foot shots into the bottom corner of the goal.
