Heading for the Top (1982 All Whites Campaign Song)

In 2010 the All Whites faced the strongest football nations in the world at the World Cup in South Africa. They went on to wrestle a draw against former champions Italy and exit the tournament undefeated, the greatest result in Kiwi soccer history. In this excerpt from Campbell Live, entertainer and football fan Ray Woolf revisits his 'feel good' anthem 'Heading for the Top', written especially for the All Whites' 1982 cup campaign. The anthem was written by Carl Doy; the original up backup singers were the 1982 All Whites. Before he works the mic Woolf offers host John Campbell his take on the All Whites' chances.

The vuvuzelas’ deafening din may have, mercifully, receded, but reveries from one of New Zealand sport’s most magical moments remain, 10 years after the All Whites’ famous draw with World Cup champions Italy in South Africa. That barmy, balmy night in Nelspruit — June 20, 2010 — still ranks alongside Sir Edmund Hillary scaling Mt Everest and two gold medals in an hour on the Olympic Games track as unmatched highlights.

– Stuff writer Tony Smith celebrates the All Whites' 2010 World Cup achievements, Stuff, 20 June 2021

Key Cast & Crew

Ray Woolf

Performer

John Campbell

Presenter