More than a quarter of a century later, Wooddin, who was in Dunedin for the Soccersouth awards last night, still has not got any answers for them.
Wilson kept a clean sheet during qualifying matches for the 1982 World Cup but was benched for the tournament.
It came down to a call by the coach and Wooddin was as surprised as the rest of the country. Never before and never since have New Zealanders been so enthralled by football.
The World Cup campaign captured the public's imagination, but football has largely been in the doldrums in New Zealand since.
But Wooddin (53), who plundered eight goals with his educated left boot to help the All Whites make their only appearances on football's greatest stage, believes the current national side has the potential and the draw to repeat his side's efforts of 26 years earlier.
"There is a bit of a spark there now," Wooddin said.
"They've still got a long way to go [to make the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa].
"Australia used to be in this group but they've now moved away, which makes it easier for New Zealand to win [the Oceania zone].
"Then we play home and away against the fifth best Asian team. Ironically, it could quite easily be Australia, with the winner going through.
"It is not going to be easy, but it is the easiest road they are going to have. If they get there it will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives."
Wooddin said New Zealand football had been at a low ebb for some time and he felt the only way the national side would improve its international standing was to play quality opposition more often.
How to make that happen was the 64 thousand dollar question. But he would like to see New Zealand follow Australia's lead and play in the Asian confederation.
"Australia have moved into Asia and they have done that purely and simply to get more quality games on a regular basis.
"They [the All Whites] need good, quality games that mean something. If it was me I'd jump into Asia if they could and if they can afford it."
Wooddin came out to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in September 1977 and played for Dunedin City.
He was part of the successful Dunedin City team which won the Chatham Cup in 1981, although he only played until the quarterfinal stage.
Otago football stalwart Les Watson was a key figure in helping lure the sniper out and last night Wooddin had the opportunity to return some of the goodwill when he presented Watson a services to sport award on behalf of Soccersouth.
"Les was Dunedin City. He brought myself out and within about two years he brought another four or five out, and a lot of them have stayed in New Zealand.
"Les loved football and since he has not been involved - he's getting a bit older now - the game has been the poorer for it."
