Defender Tommy Smith says he and his New Zealand team-mates will be out to continue surprising people in their remaining two World Cup group games. The All Whites recorded their first ever World Cup point yesterday as Winston Reid’s last-gasp equaliser saw them to a 1-1 draw against Slovakia.

Smith, whose side face Italy and Paraguay in their other two Group F fixtures, told the club site: "Scoring in the last minute, like we did, was fantastic and gave everyone that extra buzz.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room after the game was amazing. We were all singing and dancing around.

"To be in the first New Zealand team to pick up a point in World Cup football is unbelievable and I think we deserved the draw. They didn't cause us too many problems. It was a tight game and could have gone either way.

"It was a good start for us and obviously making sporting history for the country is great, but we haven't finished yet. There is no reason why we can't carry on surprising people and maybe even make the second round.

"I was relatively happy with my own performance but I will be looking to improve again when we face Italy in our next game."

Italy are New Zealand's second opponents in Nelspruit on Sunday, while they complete their opening phase matches against Paraguay in Polokwane on June 24th. Group F is currently all-square with each of the two games finishing 1-1.

If you’re planning on making some World Cup wagers, free bets are available from a number of leading bookies via TWTD’s Betting section on the main menu at the top of the page or here.

Photo: Action Images

SouperJim added 13:34 - Jun 16 Best of luck Tommy, although if you manage another point I'll be amazed!
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BlueVic added 14:33 - Jun 16 Does anyone else think Tommy, with his solid performances at international level, could be the answer to our own left-back problems? We've been after a decent LB for a few years and here is a young player learning his trade in that position at the world cup. I hope Keane is paying close attention and isn't too quick to blow a million quid on a new defender.
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Mungo added 14:56 - Jun 16 Tommy is doing well for New Zealand, and helped them to their best ever showing at a World Cup already, and hopefully they might be able to sneak another result or two yet, although this is looking a bit unlikely. I don't think TS is the solution to our left back problems. He is a left sided centre back, and is decent enough in this position, but hasn't shone when employed as a left back. Maybe with time, but it would not be ideal to begin the new season without an experienced left back in the squad.

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IpswichElvis added 16:51 - Jun 16 I am enjoying seeing Tommy do well with the Kiwi's. First round is all they can accomplish but you never know !!!!
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kiwiblue added 08:33 - Jun 17 best of luck tommy good game against slow vackia. not really tested until the last ten mins when the game got stretched. passing out of defence was a bit suspect though unless it was the long crossfield ball. so more a centre back as part of three across the back and two flying wing backs such as peters and ???? o connor perhaps? just at home and a more solid back four away

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corshamblue added 10:12 - Jun 17 Tommy can work on his passing, but it's his pace that worries me. He'll be more exposed in the Italy game. He's young and can work on his pace too I'm guessing, or at best his positioning and reading of the game. I like the lad and wish him all the best. C'mon the All Whites!
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