New Zealand were assured a spot in the tournament showpiece but would have preferred a positive result in captain Dean Couzins' (pictured) 250th international match. Photo / Getty Images.
The Black Sticks men's hockey team warmed up for tomorrow night's final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia with a 1-0 loss to Korea tonight.
With four wins from their opening five games, New Zealand were assured a spot in the tournament showpiece but would have preferred
a positive result in captain Dean Couzins' 250th international match.
But it wasn't to be for the Black Sticks, as a Jang Jong Hyun drag flick with time almost up gave Korea the victory.
The Kiwis will still head into tomorrow night's final - against an as yet unknown opponent - high on confidence after a successful week at the tournament they have never won.
The side standing between them and their first victory at the annual event will be decided by results later tonight. Argentina will be the Black Sticks' opponent should they emerge triumphant from their match against the tournament hosts, otherwise Great Britain could sneak past the South Americans.
