Tommy Smith’s Brazil 2014 dream looks to be over after his New Zealand side were thrashed 5-1 by Mexico in the first leg of their World Cup play-off at the Estadio Azteca.

The home side were in charge from the off and were 2-0 in front at the break via goals from Paul Aguilar in the 32nd minute and Raul Jimenez eight minutes later.

Oribe Peralta added the third three minutes into the second half and then the fourth 10 minutes from time.

Rafael Marquez made it 5-0 on 84, a minute prior to sub Chris James pulling back a consolation goal for the All Whites, who were wearing their second strip of all black.

Smith and his team-mates — who included ex-Blues loanee Rory Fallon who came off the bench — now have an almost impossible task in the second leg at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington next Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Town centre-half, who was making his 26th full international appearance, skippered the side in the absence of West Ham’s Winston Reid.

All Whites: Moss, Lochhead, Vicelich, Durante, Smith, Bertos, McGlinchey, Christie (James 54), Barbarouses, Brockie (Rojas 58), Wood (Fallon 67).

Photo: Action Images

martleshamitfc added 22:35 - Nov 13 Blimey, wasn't even Mexico's 1 XI , oh well Tommy come home now so you can play against Leicester.
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martleshamitfc added 22:38 - Nov 13 *1st*
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Michael11 added 22:39 - Nov 13 Chin up Tommy, all part of the learning curve. Mexico could quite easily beat England on their day so no shame in the result. Rest up, stay fit and take your frustration out on Leicester!
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MonterreyBlue added 23:52 - Nov 13 I was there.... Town shirt on and 2mx1m England Flag with "Ipswich Town F.C" thru the middle....!! Ironically this was Mexicos 3rd manager in as many months and this time, they dropped all the pre-madonnas (nearly all Euro based players didnt play) and played the best they have played in years. In their qualifying matches they were SO lucky, a last minute bicycle kick from 20 yards and then USA equalising in another game got them thru, they were terrible. By all acounts, New Zealand were horrific and Mexico played well but was at least great to see Tommy out there and with 100,000 in the Azteca, was pretty amazing. Now get your ass back home Tommy!!

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bluefeast added 07:52 - Nov 14 given the cost involved for getting a squad together from all over the world what is the point, as an aside tommy will lose 4 years off his domestic career by playing international football for a country that is a days travel away. Bad luck on the result but as all players will tell you ,the issue of playing in mexico is you cant get your breath and your legs go after 20 mins. Unless you acclimatise for a period of time before hand,

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blueboy1981 added 18:07 - Nov 14 Pretty much an expected result - Mexico are no mugs. All good experience Tommy.
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