Thaindian News

Auckland, Dec 9 (IANS) New Zealand must beat Australia Saturday to stay in contention for a spot in the final of the Owen G. Glenn FIH Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

New Zealand had lost 2-3 to Spain in their Pool C match.

World No.1 Australia has reached the final with a game to spare thanks to a fine 4-2 win against the Netherlands.

New Zealand have rarely occupied a place at the top table in a world event - this is the first time they have made it through to the last four - so it’s an opportunity that needs to be taken advantage of.

The Black Sticks universally agree they can’t be passive against the world champions and No 1-ranked side. They were passive against Spain last night when they led 2-1 and it cost them dearly.

“We learned we need to be positive when we play them. We can take them on one-on-one and play just as well as them if we are positive,” New Zealand captain Dean Couzins was quoted as saying in New Zealand Herald.

Of course, Spain could make the possibility of qualifying for the final academic if they topple the Netherlands in their match Saturday- it takes place immediately before New Zealand’s - but the Black Sticks have to believe they will still be in with a chance.

They will also approach that match knowing they have beaten Australia recently. They beat the Hockeyroos 3-0 in the opening match of the recent Oceania championships and drew the second game, before Australia mauled them 6-1 in the final match to retain the trans Tasman trophy.

“The big learning from that series was that there’s no point us sitting and waiting for them to come at us. Let’s have a go.”

Australia have said they don’t think they are playing well at the Champions Trophy yet but they have still won every match and they beat a strong Dutch side 4-2 Thursday.