The Black Sticks are not far off the best in the world.
A rematch with world No 2 Argentina at the Changzhou Invitational Tournament at the weekend proved that.
Argentina won 3-2, the same result as when the two nations met earlier in the tournament.
The highlight of the first quarter for the Black Sticks came through some outstanding defensive work with Emma Findlay producing a crucial save on the post to deny a penalty corner hit.
The pressure continued into the second quarter with Argentina showing their class and eventually breaking through from a penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead.
The attacking numbers reflected their dominance, registering 16 circle penetrations, while the Black Sticks were limited to just one circle entry, so a big response was needed heading into the second half.
That response came immediately. The New Zealanders lifted their intensity and took control of the third quarter, generating multiple opportunities before finding the equaliser through a moment of individual brilliance from Hannah Cotter.
Receiving the ball outside the circle, Cotter eliminated several defenders before unleashing a reverse-stick shot from a tight angle into the top corner.
It was a superb finish to level the match at 1-1 heading into the final quarter.
Argentina responded strongly in the last period, regaining the lead through a fast counter-attack that ended with a diving deflection.
They extended their advantage soon after with another penalty corner conversion.
With three minutes remaining, head coach Phil Burrows opted to remove the goalkeeper to gain an extra outfield player. The decision paid off with the Black Sticks building pressure and creating chances.
A shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Findlay at the top of the circle, who struck cleanly to reduce the deficit to one goal with just one minute remaining.
Despite a strong final push, the Black Sticks were unable to find an equaliser.
The Black Sticks finished fourth after the round robin with Argentina third, China A second, and China B taking top spot.
New Zealand were playing a friendly game against Argentina last night before the sides meet in the tournament bronze medal match tonight. — Allied Media
