New Zealand beats New Caledonia in World Cup qualifying

New Zealand will play the fourth-place CONCACAF team in a playoff to make the World Cup.

Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images

DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) -- Ipswich Town defender Tommy Smith scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to give New Zealand a 2-1 win over New Caledonia on Friday and an overall victory in Oceania regional qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

Smith's close-range header broke a 1-1 deadlock which had lasted from the 55th minute and gave New Zealand an unassailable lead at the top of the four-team qualifying group.

New Zealand will now play the fourth-placed team from the CONCACAF Confederation in home and away matches in November for a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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