Third Draw for New Zealand But No Place in Last 16
Thursday, 24th Jun 2010 17:07

Town’s Tommy Smith and New Zealand gained their first clean sheet of the World Cup as their group game with Paraguay ended in a goalless stalemate. However, the All Whites' third draw wasn’t enough to see them through to the knock-out stages of the competition.

Unbeaten New Zealand finished third in their group, ahead of bottom-placed Italy, with Slovakia in second behind Paraguay.

Despite their exit, New Zealand’s campaign greatly exceeded expectations with the 1-1 draw with 2006 World Cup winners Italy the highlight.

Smith, who now has seven full international caps, was amongst the stand-out performers in the All Whites' solid defence, alongside skipper Ryan Nelsen and fellow youngster Winston Reid.

The central defender, who spent part of last season on loan at Brentford, will be given an extended break before joining the rest of the Town squad during pre-season training, which begins on Monday.

Photo: Action Images

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Mark added 17:17 - Jun 24 Tommy Smith can be proud. I'm looking forward to seeing him continue his development at Portman Road next season and beyond.
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Bluetone added 17:19 - Jun 24 Well done Tommy I hope you enjoyed the experience. Glad you didn't follow the example set by a certain player and run home to the dogs.
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WeWereZombies added 17:22 - Jun 24

With Smith and Wickham coming through the youth system (although neither of them were in at the very youngest level) it does show that there is still something very right with our club. Any attempts at dismantling the youth set-up have to be shown the red card.

And what about the NZ keeper, Paston - surely he must be worth a look. So it is just England and Ghana of the Commonwealth nations left - lets hope we meet in the final.

TractorBeezer added 17:32 - Jun 24 Well done Tommy...we're so proud of you and what a great experience it must be for you.
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jesus added 17:50 - Jun 24 Thomas Jefferson Smith, well done sir.
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Markie31 added 18:27 - Jun 24 Really enjoyed watching Tommy play in the world cup, shame New Zealand didn't qualify, but they certainly gave a good account of themselves and surpassed all expectations :)
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Lightningboy added 18:36 - Jun 24 Bad luck Tommy but you've done us all proud...now get back here and play like that next season.
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SurreyITFC added 19:28 - Jun 24 Well Done Tommy! Great experience for you and sure to stand you in good stead for next season. COYB - Keano Keano Keano
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I_AM_GOD added 19:39 - Jun 24 While they did not qualify, I think they have won a few admirers this time. The sense of pride in finishing above Italy and a big result to draw with should stay with them for a while. Well done Tommy and I hope you can show the same level for us next season!!
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Mungo added 20:05 - Jun 24 Great stuff Tommy Smith! Well done to you and your Kiwi chums! Watching the All Whites defy the odds has been one of the highlights of the tournament for me (so far) and finishing above the defending world champions is a real achievement that you should be proud of.
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paulandgem added 20:40 - Jun 24 well done Tommy smith, Hope you have a good season with us, but it will probably be back to Brentford for you ! i hope not
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cphtractor added 21:47 - Jun 24 Well done Tommy Smith.
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I_AM_GOD added 22:53 - Jun 24 Has Keano been on the phone to congratulate him on his performances I wonder? No offence to Keane, but I reckon this experience has taught the lad so much more in three weeks than he could get back home.
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Redmond added 22:56 - Jun 24 he played brill shame about the pen but the diving Italian scum do that most times and they ended up last so shame on them. Be good seeing him playing at PR next season
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generalpublic added 00:00 - Jun 25 imagine how far nz might have got if the cup draw had not been rigged
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mickeyjb added 07:40 - Jun 25 Undefeated and above Italy, I wonder if anyone (including them) actually predicted that! Well done Tommy and the All Whites!
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RevAdrian added 09:00 - Jun 25 Well done indeed Mr Smith - I greatly enjoyed watching - (managed to see all of two matches and most of the third) - safe journey back here to UK
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