Tommy Smith and New Zealand will not be at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, Mexico having confirmed their place at the finals with a 4-2 victory over the All Whites in this morning’s play-off second leg at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The Mexicans went through 9-3 on aggregate having won the first leg 5-1.
Oribe Peralta netted a first-half hat-trick for the visitors but New Zealand, with Blues defender Smith again skippering, scored twice late on through Chris James from the penalty spot and ex-Town loanee Rory Fallon. Carlos Pena added Mexico’s fourth with three minutes remaining.
After the game the Blues defender tweeted: "Unlucky boys. Was always going to be tough against Mexico and their footballing pedigree. We never gave up though and showed great character.
"I also want to say that the crowd was amazing, never stopped cheering us on and definitely played their part in us grabbing two goals back!"
Smith, who played all three games for the All Whites at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and in last summer's London Olympics, was winning his 27th full cap.
Elsewhere, Town captain Carlos Edwards played 87 minutes as Trinidad and Tobago beat Jamaica 2-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Prior to kick-off Edwards and Port Vale's Chris Birchall were recognised for their contribution to Trinidad and Tobago football and received a warm reception from their fans when they were subbed.
Birchall, who played alongside Edwards at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, has retired from international football but the Town skipper plans to continue his Soca Warriors career having made 88 appearances and scored four goals.
The 35-year-old is likely to be back with the Town squad on Thursday, while Smith, 23, is not expected to return from New Zealand until Friday morning with manager Mick McCarthy having already put him down as a doubt for Saturday’s home game against Leicester City.