Tommy Smith praises New Zealand character after World Cup exit

New Zealand captain Tommy Smith has said that his side "showed great character" in their 9-3 aggregate defeat to Mexico in the World Cup qualification playoffs.

Mexico took a 5-1 lead to Wellington today and won 4-2 in the Kiwi capital to confirm their place in next year's finals in Brazil.

Smith, who plays for Ipswich Town in the Championship, tweeted afterwards: "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!"

The All Whites reached their second World Cup finals in 2010 and went unbeaten in South Africa, drawing all three group stage games but failing to reach the last 32.