NZ down India in Azlan Shah

Ipoh (Malaysia), April 6: Sloppy defence cost India as they conceded a late goal to go down 1-2 against higher-ranked New Zealand in their second league match of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Monday.

Despite enjoying better possession and ball control, India paid the price for letting their guard down when put under pressure and fell to their first loss.

It was New Zealand’s second straight victory in the six-nation tournament at the Azlan Shah Stadium.

After a barren opening half, New Zealand took the lead in the 38th minute through a field goal from skipper Simon Child before Andy Hayward (55th) converted a penalty corner to hand India’s chief coach Paul van Ass his first defeat after taking charge.

India’s lone goal came from striker Akashdeep Singh in the 43rd minute.

New Zealand have the maximum six points from two outings, while India have one point from their two.

Despite the outcome, the Indians looked far more organised and coordinated on Monday compared to the tournamentopener against Korea a day before.

van Ass said that despite being the better side for the second consecutive day, results continued to elude India.

“I think we dominated the better part of the game but unfortunately in the last six minutes, we conceded a corner and that is more with the head (mental part),” the Dutchman said.

— PTI