x

Smith and New Zealand Grab Famous Draw - Ipswich Town News

Town’s Tommy Smith and New Zealand caused the shock of the World Cup so far by drawing 1-1 with holders Italy in Nelspruit.

Shane Smeltz put the Kiwis ahead early on, despite more than a hint of offside, but the Italians hit back from the spot just before the half hour via Vincenzo Iaquinta after Smith, 20, was penalised for a shirt pull on Daniele de Rossi in the box, perhaps harshly given the regular grappling from set pieces throughout the tournament.

Otherwise, Smith, winning his sixth full cap, was hugely impressive alongside his side's outstanding skipper Ryan Nelsen as New Zealand recorded the greatest result in their footballing history.

Paraguay now sit top of Group F on four points after defeating Slovakia 2-0 in the lunchtime game. New Zealand are on two along with Italy, ahead of Slovakia on one.

A victory over Paraguay in their final game on Thursday would take the All Whites into the round of the last 16, while a draw would give them a chance depending on the result of the match between Italy and Slovakia.

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.

What to read next:

Burgess First of Three Town Players Set For International Action
Cameron Burgess, Axel Tuanzebe and Ali Al-Hamadi - as well as departed loanee Julio Enciso - could all add to their senior caps today with the Australian international the first to get into action at lunchtime.
Boatswain's Montserrat Win
Blues U21s striker Ash Boatswain played the full 90 minutes as Montserrat beat Belize 1-0 in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier played in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago.
Pitts Wins Cap in Malta U21s Victory
Town youngster Josh Pitts won his first Malta U21s cap as his side beat San Marino 1-0 away in the first of two friendlies earlier this evening.
Delap's Chelsea Move Confirmed
Blues striker Liam Delap’s £30 million move to Chelsea has been confirmed, the frontman having signed a six-year deal.
TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Welcome to the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
Town's Premier League Stay Formally at End
Town’s stay in the Premier League has formally come to an end with the return of the Blues’ share certificate.
Harness: Time at Town Changed My Life Forever
Departing forward Marcus Harness says his time at Town changed his and his family’s lives forever, the 29-year-old having left the club and joined Huddersfield earlier in the week.
Young Duo Set For Caps
Blues youngsters Ash Boatswain and Josh Pitts look set to win international caps with Montserrat and Malta’s U21s later today.
Thomas Makes First Jamaica Start in Defeat to USA
Ipswich Town Women’s striker Natasha Thomas made her first start for Jamaica as the Reggae Girlz were beaten 4-0 by the USA in St Louis, Missouri overnight.
Former Town Academy Midfielder and Coach Manning Named Norwich Boss
Former Town academy midfielder and coach Liam Manning has been appointed head coach of Norwich City, leaving his role at Bristol City.