It was another tough day at the office for the New Zealand Men’s Hockey Team as they fell 2-0 to Argentina. The Kiwis will reflect on a number of missed opportunities that might have shifted the outcome in their favour.
New Zealand started with strong intent, controlling possession and looking the more dangerous side despite a ten-minute yellow card for Joseph Morrison.
The second quarter was a more balanced affair until Argentina created something out of nothing with a crash ball into the circle. The ball was initially well saved by Dixon, but Argentine striker Domene was on hand to convert the rebound.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, New Zealand faced their most promising opportunity. Following a fumble by an Argentine player, Scott Boyde found himself one-on-one with the Argentine keeper but was left frustrated as his shot hit the left post.
New Zealand earned a pair of penalty corners early in the fourth quarter, but their challenges continued when Kane Russell, the team’s primary drag-flicker, was injured in a collision and had to leave the field, unable to return.
With four minutes remaining, New Zealand pulled their keeper in a strategic move to level the score. The Kiwis earned two penalty corners in attack but failed to convert either.
In the final moments, Argentina sealed the win with a game-ending counter-attack. A deep aerial was sent to the other end of the turf to two Argentine players, who had an open goal and finished with precision.
With two games remaining in pool play and the top four teams progressing to the quarter finals, our matches against Australia and Ireland are must wins.
The men will play Australia tomorrow Thursday 1st August, 8.30pm NZT.
New Zealand
