By Ian Waterhouse
Chris Wood continued his fine form for Leeds this season with an impressive display as captain for New Zealand, despite losing to Mexico 2-1 in a friendly played in Nashville.
Although Wood did not find the back of the net himself, he did play an instrumental part in setting up the ‘All Whites’ equaliser as he picked out Chesterfield’s Liam Graham, who provided a precise cross to allow Marco Rojas to slot home early in the second half.
However, in the 56th minute Marco Fabian struck home the winner to ensure the Mexicans claimed victory.
Wood’s New Zealand face another stern test as they take on the USA in Washington on Tuesday with Wood expected to start.
Stuart Dallas tasted success as his Northern Ireland side brushed aside minnows San Marino 4-0 in a Group C World Cup qualifying match.
Dallas played 65 minutes before Northern Ireland Manager Michael O’Neill took him off in the pursuit of more goals and Kyle Lafferty (heavily linked with a move to Leeds last season) struck a brace to move Northern Ireland into third place in group C.
Impressive defender Pontus Jansson failed to play a part for Sweden as they overcame Luxemburg 1-0 and newly signed midfielder Eunan O’Kane was an unused sub as the Republic of Ireland overcame Georgia 1-0 but did come on late as Ireland defeated Moldova 3-1 on Sunday.