The Black Sticks have beaten Olympic silver medallists Argentina 2-1 in their second game of the Four Nations at the ITM Hockey Centre in Whangarei tonight.
It was a much better performance from the Black Sticks who played with confidence and created many opportunities with Charlotte Harrison and Katie Glynn both scoring goals.
Tonight's first half goals came in the second quarter of the game came when Martina Cavallero did a dramatic dive and on a tight angle hit it low to the keeper's right. New Zealand equalised when local player Harrison scored her second field goal of the tournament.
Argentina had the chance to take the lead just before half time when they were awarded a penalty corner, but New Zealand successfully cleared it.
Early on in the second half, both teams had ample opportunity including a cracking shot from Sian Fremaux, a good set up by Glynn and penalty corners were awarded for both teams, but neither could convert.
In the final 10 minutes, the Black Sticks attacked with confidence. They continued to put pressure on Argentina until they were eventually awarded a penalty corner and a clever variation led to Glynn finding the back of the net.
Argentina has brought across a full strength team for the Four Nations with the majority of players silver medallists from the London Olympics.
The Four Nations is an important tournament for the national selectors, who are all in attendance, and using it as an opportunity to test New Zealand's young talent against some top international teams. Following this tournament, a side will be selected for the FIH World League Semi-Final which is to be held in Rotterdam in June and is the new qualification event for the 2014 World Cup.
In the earlier game, the USA got away to a flying start when Torrie Albini scored from a penalty corner in the opening minute. Korea got the equaliser in the 29th minute when Ok Ju Kim scored from a penalty corner variation.
Although USA had the lion's share of possession in the second half, when Korea got the ball they were explosive down the side and at times had USA scrambling in defence. It wasn't until the 64th minute that Lara Parsley, playing only her second international, put one away and secured a win for her side.
The Black Sticks will play their final game against the USA at 3pm tomorrow, before the play offs on Sunday. Korea will play Argentina in the earlier game at 1pm tomorrow.
Results
USA 2 (Torrie Albini, Lara Parsley), Korea 1 (Ok Ju Kim). HT: 1-1.
NZ 2 (Charlotte Harrison, Katie Glynn), Argentina 1 (Martina Cavallero) HT: 1-1.
