Tommy Smith's New Zealand drew 1-1 with Egypt in their second Olympics group game at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Smith assisted room-mate Chris Wood’s 17th minute strike, heading a corner towards goal with the West Brom man turning it into the net. Mohamed Salah equalised for the Egyptians five minutes before the break.

The Oly Whites now need to beat Brazil in their final game at St James’ Park, Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon (KO 2.30pm) to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

bluebare added 14:14 - Jul 29 Tommy played ok and assisted for the goal
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fussysnake added 15:15 - Jul 29 Have to beat Brazil to go through? Looks like Tommys coming back to PR :D
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RetroBlue added 16:51 - Jul 29 Personally speaking I think Smith should have given the Olympics a miss, and instead concentrated on trying to establish himself in the Town 1st team: Instead he's allowed Delaney plenty of time to get a foot in the door. Lets just hope all these extra games Smith has played (when most other Town players were "ticking over") during the summer break doesn't result in him picking up injuries, or becoming fatigued as the season goes on.

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blueandwhitebadger added 17:04 - Jul 29 Can't blame him for wanting to represent his country though
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Alfie1476 added 17:13 - Jul 29 @ RetroBlue, completely disagree. His fitness and experience by playing in the Olympics will be far supeior than what pre-season training and friendlies can offer. In all honesty, if he had turned down the place in favour for an ITFC pre season I would have questioned his confidence in his own abilities. I think to suggest a young player, especially an ITFC player should abstain from representing his country and playing at the highest level is farsical. It does bring into question what knowledge, if any, some of the ITFC fans have!

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Nthsuffolkblue added 17:52 - Jul 29 Tend to agree with Alfie here. Not only should it be an honour to represent your country but also to compete at the Olympics. I found it very ironic that Bale got injured playing pre-season after pulling out of the Olympics. True, Smith has missed a chance to develop an understanding with Chambers/Loach but he will also have played at a far better level than friendlies against Cambridge, etc. Looks like he will return in plenty of time for a few friendlies before the season too.

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harlingblue added 18:30 - Jul 29 Sorry RetroBlue, but i say well done Tommy, to play in two Olympics at your age is a fantastic achievement that most young aspiring athletes could only dream of.
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sonnyblue added 21:36 - Jul 29 Got back from Old Trafford about an hour ago.. what a great day out.. thoroughly enjoyed the two games of football, everything very well organised etc. Great atmosphere and crowd.. wonderful. Just a note on Tommy.. he played well and what a great preparation to the season. At the end of the match he applauded all the fans for ages. It was brill....
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TheHanwoodTractor added 21:54 - Jul 29 Got back from Old Trafford just now. Frankly it was fantastic. While the Brazil game was more entertaining, it was nice seeing Tommy do well in the New Zealand back four.
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Edmunds5 added 03:09 - Jul 30 How can you blame Tommy for wanting to go to the Olympics to represent his country?. I know NZ qualified for the World Cup but they wont qualify for many tournaments, if Bullard and Chopra go and sit in the stand and have a sandwich after being substitued then i think that tells Tommy he hasn't really missed much, Delaney hasn't got in the front door at all there is just no one else to pick and if Tommy played alongside Chambers i'm sure he would have been just as effective.

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