International tournament news

WC 2010 NZ down Korea at World Cup Hockey

2010-3-6

Dealt a last-minute body blow when captain and attacking spearhead Phil Burrows was ruled out of their third match at the Hero Honda World Cup, New Zealand stormed to a 2-0 lead and then held on to beat a lively Korean side 2-1 and keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Burrows arrived at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium confident he had shrugged off the calf injury sustained late in the loss to the Dutch two days earlier and would be fit to play.

But by the time the pre-match warm-up was completed, a distraught Burrows ruled himself out and handed the captain\'s armband to Dean Couzins and a place on the bench to late arrival Joseph Bartholomew.

"In the scheme of things it was a big blow as much of our game plan centres around Phil and what he brings to the team," said Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod.

"Losing a player with his experience puts added pressure on the younger players but overall I think they responded well."

Within three minutes of the start of a game both teams eyed as "must win", New Zealand won a penalty corner following a bad Korean tackle outside the circle.

From a well-rehearsed play, drag-flick exponent Andy Hayward delivered and was able to celebrate his first goal of the tournament and, more importantly, a vital early lead for his team.

Just as quickly, there was another scare for the New Zealand camp as midfielder Shea McAleese limped off but after a time-out, he recovered and returned as the Black Sticks went in search of a second goal.

New Zealand\'s attacking endeavours were eventually rewarded in the 22nd minute when a shot from Priyesh Bhana was blocked by a Korean foot in the goalmouth. The stroke quickly awarded and just as quickly pushed home by Couzins despite the goalkeeper anticipating well in thrusting himself in the right direction.

Down, but certainly not out, the Koreans pressed forward and forced the New Zealanders to drop deep in defence to counter their opponent\'s short-passing game.

After having a goal disallowed, a call by the video umpire, New Zealand held on and went to the break still 2-0 ahead.

The Koreans dominated for long periods in the second spell, forced six penalty corners to none, but a combination of poor execution and some nifty work from Pontifex denied them.

While on the back foot for much of the spell, New Zealand did create a couple of clear-cut scoring opportunities but Nick Wilson, after a great ball from man of the match Ryan Archibald, and Nick Haig, in a similar break away, were wide and over the top when they should have been on target.

As the clock wound down, the Koreans mounted a last attack, won a penalty stroke which, with 23secs to play, Nam Yong Lee converted.

Source NZ Herald