Blues defender Tommy Smith skippered New Zealand to a 1-1 draw with hosts the Solomon Islands in their final Oceania Nations Cup group game overnight. West Brom’s Chris Wood scored the All Whites’ goal in the 14th minute with Benjamin Totori hitting back for the home side just before the hour mark.
A draw was a disappointing result for Smith’s team, despite coach Ricki Herbert resting a number of players ahead of Friday’s semi-final against New Caledonia.
Smith, who is still unbeaten as an international captain, tweeted: "Disappointing to not get the win but valuable experience with a very young team.
"First in the group though so well done boys! On to the knock-out stages now. Time to move up a gear."
With matches coming thick and fast in hot and humid conditions, the 22-year-old admits he's feeling the pace a touch, joking: "Anyone got any magic remedies for recovery? Lol. #iceicebaby #massagemeup #RICE #tired."
The All Whites’ progress to the semi-finals of the Oceania Nations Cup means they’re already through to the next stage of World Cup qualification. Winning the tournament will secure them a place in next year's Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, former Blue Colin Healy was working on his UEFA B licence alongside former Spain, Real Madrid and Blackburn man Michel Salgado in Dublin last week. Healy, 32, is now back playing for hometown club Cork City.
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