Smith's All Whites Set to Confirm Progress to Next Stage of World Cup Qualification
Monday, 27th Mar 2017 17:29

Tommy Smith and New Zealand should confirm their progress through to the next phase of World Cup qualification when they take on Fiji in Wellington early tomorrow morning.

The All Whites require only a point to top their group and reach the next stage where they will meet the winners of the other Oceania qualification group - probably Tahiti - in a two-legged play-off.

The side which wins that will face the team which finishes fifth in the South American qualification group in an inter-confederation play-off for a place at the finals in Russia in the summer of 2018.

Smith made his return to international football as an 88th minute sub in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over the Fijians in Lautoka. The 26-year-old has now won 30 caps, scoring two international goals.

Town youngster Monty Patterson, who is currently on loan at Braintree, was also included in the squad but pulled out due to a hamstring injury.

Photo: TWTD

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