Azlan Shan Hockey Cup: new Zealand rack up another five-goal haul

New Zealand demolished Argentina 5-2 on Friday to make it two wins out of two at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and underline their Olympic credentials, while Malaysia held Britain to a draw. India meanwhile, thrashed 5-1 by the free-scoring Kiwis on the opening day Thursday, gained a measure of redemption by beating fellow London Olympic hopefuls South Korea 2-1.
"We did well considering the fact that Argentina is a great side," New Zealand assistant coach Darren Smith said after seeing his team top the standings on six points in Ipoh, Malaysia. Argentina led early through Lucas Cammareri before New Zealand levelled thanks to a Phil Burrows goal just before half time. New Zealand went 2-1 ahead in the 44th minute with Richard Petherick converting a penalty corner but Argentina equalised shortly after with a Lucas Vila goal.
New Zealand dominated play after that. Forward Andy Hayward scored a penalty corner to make it 3-2 before goals by Shay Neal and Arun Panchia towards the end of the match ensured a 5-2 win. Both teams will be at the London Olympics. The shock result of the day saw the hosts hold world number fourth ranked Britain to a 3-3 draw. The visitors, who will be among the favourites for a medal at the Games on home soil, were 3-1 up at the break and cruising.
But Malaysia, who will not be in London, scored two goals in the final four minutes to grab the most unlikely of draws. India also celebrated as they bounced back from the New Zealand debacle to edge South Korea in a closely contested match. India scored the winner with 55 seconds remaining to reignite their hopes for a final berth and boost their brittle confidence for the London Games.
The Indians had been a goal ahead at the break before they allowed the Koreans back in. "It was a good first half but the players lost the plot in the second half and allowed South Korea to dominate the proceedings," said India's straight-talking Australian coach Michael Nobbs. "The players were not playing to the instructions and game plan and hence we struggled to match the South Koreans."