Black Sticks head for Tokyo

At a glance

New Zealand needed only a draw to book their spot at the Tokyo Olympics against South Korea in Stratford yesterday, but spared themselves any nerves with a comprehensive victory.

Man-of-the-match Nic Woods ensured New Zealand had good go forward and was integral in the Black Sticks’ 3-0 win.

New Zealand knew a good first half would go a long way to set them up well in the contest.

Korea struggled to clear the ball out of their defensive zone as the Black Sticks screen forced them to look long to get (Stephen Jenness 16 min, Sam Lane 23 min, Kane Russell 42 min) HT: 2-0 the ball out of trouble.

But New Zealand initially couldn’t crack a resolute Korean defence and went into the first break tied at 0-0.

The Blacks Sticks scored almost immediately in the second quarter when Stephen Jenness deflected home a cross for his third goal of the series.

New Zealand continued to play with confidence throughout the quarter and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Sam Lane finished off some slick passing to touch in the Kiwis’ second goal.

That left Korea needing three goals in the second half to force the match to a penalty shootout. Looking desperate early in the third quarter Korea forced Leon Hayward in the New Zealand goal to pull off some spectacular saves.

When New Zealand managed to break out, they secured a penalty corner and drag flicker Kane Russell flicked a ripping shot to the top netting.

Korea pulled their goalkeeper out to go on all-out attack, and were rewarded with several penalty corners, but still failed to find the net.

Black Sticks 3

Korea 0.

South