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).