Smith to captain All Whites against Mexico in Reid’s absence

New Zealand coach Rickie Herbert has named Tommy Smith as his captain for tonight’s key Intercontinental World Cup playoff clash against Mexico. The Ipswich Town defender has been handed the armband in the absence of West Ham’s Winston Reid, who has been ruled out of both playoff games following an ankle injury picked up in training. Continue reading

World Cup Newbies- a look at Iceland, Ethiopia and Jordan

The week of the 2014 World Cup playoffs is upon us, and we take a look at some of the potential sides that could be making their first appearance in Brazil next year if they get the better of their opponents. Qualifying for the World Cup often gets taken for granted by the bigger footballing nations but for first time entrants it is as big as winning the competition itself. Below we take at Iceland, Jordan and Ethiopia. Continue reading