New Zealand have progressed to the second round of the Women’s Hockey World Cup with a 1-1 draw against archrivals Australian in London.
But they doing it the hard way, finishing third in their group and facing Argentina next for a spot in the quarter-finals. Argentina are currently ranked third in the world, New Zealand fourth.
The Black Sticks have found themselves on the back foot, after losing to Japan 2-1 in their second outing, and finishing behind Australia and Belgium in their pool.
They only needed to avoid a heavy defeat against Australia to advance to a playoff and held the upper hand early with a goal from Olivia Merry after 13 minutes.
Emily Smith equalised for Australia in the second quarter, but Samantha Harrison had a go-ahead goal disallowed on video review and the score was still locked 1-1 at half-time.
More to come
