Freak glove foul costs NZ
A freak incident led to the Black Sticks crashing out of the Women’s Hockey World Cup as they lost 2-0 to Argentina in the second round in London yesterday.
Argentina went ahead in bizarre circumstances after they were awarded a penalty stroke on review because Agustina Habif’s goal-bound shot was stopped by Grace O’Hanlon’s loose left glove.
Black Sticks goalkeeper O’Hanlon had made a save, but one of her gloves flew off and landed on the turf. Habif then whacked the stray glove instead of the ball and New Zealand cleared the danger, but a review penalised the odd offence.
Noel Barrionuevo converted the penalty in the 25th minute, and with the Black Sticks desperately searching for an equaliser in the final quarter, Argentina doubled their lead as Delfina Merino’s 49th minute strike secured them a quarterfinal with Australia tomorrow.
After opening their campaign with victory against Belgium, a poor defeat to Japan followed and the Black Sticks could only finish third in their pool after drawing 1-1 with Australia.
While Australia advanced straight to the quarterfinals, world No 4 New Zealand faced world No 3 Argentina in a playoff to reach the last eight.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said his team should have converted its chances in the first half. ‘‘We played well in the first half but in the second half we lost a bit of structure and pattern and just didn’t play well in the second half at all.
‘‘They’re gutted as they are out of the tournament. There’s a few tears being shed as there should be.
‘‘They’re a disappointed group as they didn’t come here to finish in the bottom half of the competition but unfortunately that’s what happens.’’