Argentina's experience proved too much for New Zealand 3-2 at the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament at Amsteleveen in the Netherlands.
The Black Sticks looked down and out, trailing 0-3 with time all but up on the clock as halftime loomed.
Strong running and slick passing saw the Argentinians slice
through the New Zealand defence three times in the space of 15 minutes as Augustina Garcia, Luciana Aymar and Rocia Sanchez Moccia all found the back of the net.
But the New Zealanders battled back, forcing a penalty corner in the last play of the half. Drag flick expert Clarissa Eshuis fired home, and the Black Sticks went into the break with a real psychological boost after struggling for possession and territory for much of the first spell.
Three minutes into the second stanza, the New Zealanders converted another penalty corner when Charlotte Harrison came out on top in a goalmouth scramble, punching the ball home to narrow Argentina's lead to just one.
But despite pressing hard as time ran down, the equaliser didn't come, and Argentina held on for the win.
The Black Sticks' hopes of contesting the Champions Trophy final ended with yesterday's 5-3 loss to South Korea in Amsteleveen, and they will now contest the play-off for third and fourth.
The top five from this year's Champions Trophy automatically qualify for next year's event, guaranteeing the Black Sticks a spot in the competition.
Argentina 3 (Augustina Garcia, Luciana Aymar, Rocia Sanchez Moccia) New Zealand 2 (Clarissa Eshuis, Charlotte Harrison). Halftime: 3-1.
- NZPA
