Tommy Smith’s New Zealand crashed out of the Oceania Nations Cup at the semi-final stage after a shock 2-0 defeat to New Caledonia overnight. The result means the All Whites are through to the third round of World Cup qualifying but miss out on a lucrative place in next summer’s Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Smith, winning his 15th full cap, tasted defeat as an international captain for the first time as Bertrand Kai and Georges Gope-Fenepe netted in the 60th and 90th minutes.
The 22-year-old tweeted his reaction to the loss: "Very disappointing result and performance. We will bounce back and learn from this experience and be a stronger squad for it.
"Need to make sure we nail third spot and then regroup for the next stage of qualifiers. Conditions will favour us more in a home and away competition.
"Thanks for all the support from both NZ and England, it's all greatly appreciated and we will give you all something to cheer about!"
The All Whites missed plenty of chances in what was their first defeat to the Pacific island for 36 years, a result which the New Zealand press says is the worst of coach Ricki Herbert's eight-year spell in charge.
Smith’s side now take on hosts the Solomon Islands — with whom they drew 1-1 in the group stages — in Sunday’s third-place play-off.
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