Despite being edged 2-1 by Australia in their final pool game, the New Zealand men’s hockey team are guaranteed a chance to play for a medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
It was a typical trans-Tasman battle with both sides leaving everything out on the turf in an end-to-end encounter.
World No 1-ranked Australia opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Jacob Whetton netted from a tight angle.
Trent Mitton doubled Australia’s advantage with a 57th minute field goal.
The New Zealanders pulled a goal back when Cory Bennett smashed home a reverse shot from a penalty corner deflection shortly before fulltime.
The result means New Zealand finish second in Pool A with three wins and one loss, setting up a semi-final match-up on Friday night against Pool B winners India.
Captain Arun Panchia said it was an extremely hard fought game and one that would help his side going into the semi-finals.
“It’s not the result we wanted, but I think we can take a lot out of the match. It was a very competitive game against a world-class Aussie side, so it’s good build up for the semis,” he said.
“Australia are ranked No 1 in the world and were favourites going in so for us to come away with a performance like that was pleasing.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge on Friday night and know what we have to do to book a place in the gold medal match.”
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Cory Bennett Arun Panchia
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