Grant Turner playing Kuwait in 1982 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former All Whites midfielder Grant Turner who was part of the first New Zealand team to reach the World Cup finals in Spain in 1982 has died.
He was 64, and had been battling cancer for the past year.
Turner's passing on Tuesday morning was confirmed by New Zealand Football.
"We are sorry to hear of the passing of Grant Turner after his battle with cancer,'' the NZPFA said on social media.
Turner played 71 times for the All Whites and scored 19 goals.
He retired from international football in 1988.
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Grant Turner after his battle with cancer.
— NZPFA (@nzpfa) February 27, 2023
A giant on the field, playing 71 times for the All Whites between 1980 and 1988, Grant is a treasured member of our footballing history.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/WnXuBDV75Q
Turner was a physical player and one of his most famous goals was a long range header against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1981.
He played a key part in the All Whites qualification for the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, although injury prevented him from taking the field at the tournament.
-RNZ
