NZ men reach top 12

Two fourth-period goals ensured the Black Sticks men advanced to the last 12 at the Hockey World Cup. Hayden Phillips scored in the 50th minute and Kane Russell in the 56th minute as New Zealand came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Spain in their final pool match in Bhubaneswar, India, yesterday. The result means Darren Smith’s squad finish on four points with a 1-1-1 record, in third spot in the pool behind world No 2 Argentina, who defeated the Black Sticks 3-0 on Tuesday, and France, who upset Argentina 5-3 in the late game yesterday. The 20th-ranked French side, who the Black Sticks defeated 2-1 last week, scored four second period goals, before holding off Argentina. Despite finishing level with New Zealand on four points and losing their head-to-head clash, France still took second on goal difference (+1 to New Zealand’s -2).